The nature of language A definition: Language is human speech; the ability to communicate by this means; a system of vocal sounds and combinations of such sounds to which meaning is attributed, used for the expression or communication of thoughts and feelings; the written representation of such a system. (Webster's New World Dictionary)

About this course 1. Who this course is for 2. What this course is about 3. Duration of this course 4. How to study this course 5. How to do well in assessment 6. Suggested further reading

Meaning: What is it? Different Theories of Meaning Naming: Labels of things 2. Semantic Triangle: non direct association 3. Conceptualistic view: meaning in use 4. Behaviorists' view: stimulus and response

Social Expressions with something to imply (I) 1. Gender a. Way of talking: tone, register, tenderness, color preference and language, topics of conversation, cursing words

Language Definition of human language ----A system of vocal symbols used human communication

一、网上全文学术期刊的出版与服务 二、国际著名联机检索系统 三、国外主要网上学术期刊 四、国外主要网上科技信息资源

一、什么是语言学 把语言作为专门研究对象的科学是语言学 语言学的任务和目的,就是描述和分析客观 存在的语言事实,通过这种事实的描述和分析, 探讨并揭示语言的发展规律,以此指导人们的语 言实践,使人们更好地掌握和使用语言,让语言 在人类生活的各个方面产生更大的效益

一、本体语言学 侧重语言本身 根据研究对象的不构成的研究,描述 同,本体语言学可以分客观存在的语言现 为个别语言学和普通语象,揭示语言自身 的规律

从语言内部结构特征看,语言在本质上是一种音义结合的符号系统

一、语言发展的原因 (一)语言发展的社会条件