Lesson 1 - Nature of Language

PURPOSIVE
COMMUNICATION
INTRODUCTION:
Nature of Language
OBJECTIVES:
At the end of the lesson, you are expected
to achieve the following:
1. Demonstrate an understanding of the key
ideas in language and communication; and
2. Relate your personal experiences with the
input presented.
What is language?
Together with the creation of

human life is the creation of a
wonderful and dynamic human
capacity – language. (Madronio and
Martin)
What is language?
Animals are said to be able to
communicate with each other.
• wolves – howl
• birds – chirp
• dogs - bark
What is language?
The sounds that these creatures

produce often reflect the state of
their emotions. While it may be
true that animals communicate but
only human can produce language.
What is language?
Language is commonly defined simply
as “means of communication”, but if it is
defined so, there will be no difference
between human communication and
animal communication. Because animals
and humans do have means to
communicate.
What is language?
For example:
A monkey may be able to signal to its partner that is
sharing food. The monkey will produce sounds and
gestures but will not be able to organize the sounds
into meaningful system with rules.
On the other hand, human beings can communicate
their desire to share food through several ways that
are understandable to other human beings.
What is language?
For example:
Human beings may:
•Utter word (Food!)
•Raise a question (Want some food?)
•Give a statement (I’d like to share this
food with you.)
What is language?
Linguists agree that a language can only be called a language if it
has the following aspects:
1. System of rule – also known as grammar
2. Phonology – study of how sounds are organized and used in
natural language.
3. Syntax – arrangement of words in sentences, clauses and
phrases.
4. Pragmatics – the practical use of language.
5. Morphology – the structure and form of words.
6. Semantics – study of meaning
What is language?
• Language is the method of human communication,
either spoken or written, consisting of the use of
words in a structured and conventional way.
• Language is a system of words or signs that
people use to express thoughts and feelings to
each other.
• Language is a system of communication, a medium
for thought, and a social interaction.
Speech Community
When people use language, and they
can understand each other they belong
to the same group to the same speech
community.
It is a group of people sharing a
common language or dialect.
Language Acquisition
While growing up, people acquire

the languages used by those in the
community. This is the process of
language acquisition.
Language Acquisition
Language acquisition is the process
by which human beings acquire the
capacity to perceive and comprehend
as well as to produce and use words
and sentences to communicate.
Mother Tongue and
First Language
The language acquired while

growing up is known as mother
tongue, which may also be referred
to as first language.
Mother Tongue and
First Language
First language (acquired) is the

mother tongue or native language of
a person.
First Language vs Second
Language
Second language (learned) is a

language a person learns to
communicate with the native
speaker of that language.
Language Learning
People learn these languages by
studying formally in school or
informally on their on. This is the
process of Language Learning.
Language Learning
Language learning is broadly
defined as developing the ability to
communicate in the second/foreign
language.
Language Learning
Language learning is broadly
defined as developing the ability to
communicate in the second/foreign
language.
Language Contact
oThe result of such contact may be a
new form of language. It is possible
that in your attempt to communicate
with each other, you and your
Japanese friend will decide which
language should be used.
Language Contact
oLanguage Contact occurs when the speakers
of two or more languages or varieties interact
and influence each other.
oLanguage Contact is a major factor in language
change – your own languages may also change
as you constantly interact and communicate
with each other.
Language Change
All natural languages change, and
language change affects all areas of
languages.
Types of language change include sound
changes, lexical changes, and semantic
changes.
Language Change
Language is always changing.
We’ve seen that language
change across space and
across social group.
What is Language?
Language is indeed a complex
capacity. It is, therefore, important to
be aware of its features and behavior
to be able to use language more
effectively and productively in
communicating to other.

Lesson 1 - Nature of Language

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Lesson 1 - Nature of Language

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PURPOSIVE

Together with the creation of

The sounds that these creatures

While growing up, people acquire

The language acquired while

First language (acquired) is the

Second language (learned) is a

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