Types and Functions of Language

Language is a tool for communication that is unique to humans. It allows for the transmission of ideas and feelings through a system of sounds, rules of grammar and vocabulary. While languages share similarities like sound systems and parts of speech, they also each have their own distinctive features. Language is creative, constantly changing and adequate for its own speakers and culture. It serves important functions for interaction, socialization and cultural identity. There are varieties of language that can be spoken or written, on a local or global scale, for everyday or specialized uses.

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Types and Functions of Language

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Therese GB

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LANGUAGE

AND
COMMUNICATION
• Definition- the English word language came from Latin
lingua, meaning "language; tongue", refers to codes,
ciphers. Language is the medium of communication, it
serves as a code for transmission of messages between or
among people. Language is a tool used to express ideas
and feelings that results into understanding. It is a part of a
culture. Language is a cognitive ability to learn and use
systems of complex communication.

• Modern definition- Language is a dynamic human

capacity to communicate and has system of phonology
(sounds), rules, (grammar) and vocabulary (Lexicon). A
communication process has a meaning if these are present.
Unlike animals which only sounds are produced and the sign
Language which has no sound but only vocabulary.
CHARACTERISTICS OF LANGUAGE

Language consists of a finite set

of rules which can generate an
infinite number of sentences. A
Language is native speaker can produce or
creative and create sentences which he may
productive. never have read or heard
before because he has
internalized these rules of his
language.
CHARACTERISTICS OF LANGUAGE

W ords m a y be pronounc e d
differently as English knife which
has dropped the /ka/ from its
original pronunciation /kanayf/;
Language is old forms may be replaced, like
the pronouns thou, thy, and
constantly thine which have given way to
changing. you, your, and yours; or words
from other languages may
become part of the lexicon of a
language, like guru and
boondock which are now used
in English.
CHARACTERISTICS OF LANGUAGE

Every language has its

own inventory of sounds,
grammatical units, and
Languages syntactic patterning.
are unique. Were if not so, there
would not be so many
different languages in
the world.
CHARACTERISTICS OF LANGUAGE

Languages are similar in

that they all have sound
system, and words or
Languages phrases that may
are similar. function as nomimals,
verbals, adverbials, and
adjectivals.
CHARACTERISTICS OF LANGUAGE

That is, it serves the

purpose of the culture of
Language is its users. No language is
adequate for better or worse, more
i t s o w n complete or more
speakers. beautiful than any other
language.
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HUMAN AND ANIMAL
LANGUAGE

Human language is culturally transmitted, while

animal language is genetically transmitted.

Animal language does not have subsystems

of sounds and of meaning.

Animals do not use language as humans do.

FUNCTIONS OF LANGUAGE IN A
COMMUNICATION PROCESS

Language serves as a Language is used as an

medium. art of conversation.