Unit 1

Definition of Language:
IMPORTANT NOTE: A language is determined by some factors:
》• Social background
》• Attitudes
》• Origin of people

 A language is system of arbitrary, vocal symbols that permit all people

in a given culture, or other people who have learned the system of that
culture, to communicate or to interact (Finocchioro, in Ramelan 1984)

 A language is a system of arbitrary vocal symbols used for human

communication (Wardhaugh, in Ramelan, 1984)
A language is arbitrary system of articulated sounds made use of by a
group of humans as a means of carrying on the affairs of their society
(Francis, in Ramelan, 1984)

 A language is a set of rules enabling speakers to translate information

from the outside world into sound (Gumperz, 1972).

Theories of Language Origin:

1. THE DIVINE SOURCE THEORY 2
- There is a supreme being that provides humans with language.

↪In Christianity, according to the Book of Genesis, "Whatsoever Adam called every
living creature, that was the name thereof" (Genesis 2:20)

↪In Hinduism, it is believed that the wife of Brahma, Sarasvati, gave language to
the people.

Evidences:
1. Pharoah Psammetichus (600 BC)

↪Bekos - bread in Phrygian

2. King James IV of Scotland (1500 AD)

↪Hebrew
2. NATURAL RESOURCE THEORY
2. Bow-Wow Theory (Friedrich Max Muller)
* Speech originated from the imitation of natural sounds like the animal calls
Ex. meow meow, arf arf

3. Pooh-Pooh Theory (Friedrich Max Muller)

* Language from automatic and instinctive sounds caused by emotions
Ex. ouch - pain, ha ha ha - happiness

4. Ding Dong Theory (favored by Plato and Pythagoras)

* Language began when humans started naming objects after a relevant sound
Ex. bang bang - gun, ding dong - door bell, boom - explosion

3. SOCIAL INTERACTION
4. Yo He Ho a.k.a Yo Heave Ho
* Rhythmic chants and grunts people used to coordinate their physical actions while
working together.
Ex. carrying a bolder - hoo

5. La La (Danish Linguist Otto Jespersen)

* Language developed from sounds associated with love, plays and rhythms.

4. ORAL GESTURE
Ta Ta (Richard Paget, 1930)
* Use of tongue and mouth gestures to mimic manual gestures
Ex. waving goodbye with a mouth gesture

7. PHYSIOLOGICAL ADAPTATION SOURCE

*Unlike human beings, no other species can use language because other animals
have a very different physiology than human beings. At certain age, our physiological
structures develop over time which helps our language understanding and usage.
1. Teeth
2. Lips
3. Mouth
4. Larynx
5. Pharynx
6. Human Brain

8. The Genetic Source

*Humans develop a specific genes that helps in language understanding and
application. This gene is called FOXP2.

9. The Innateness Theory (Noam Chomsky)

*Language is innate to human being. (Refer to LCS, pls)
Features/ Characteristics of Language
1. Language follows a grammatical structure.
2. Language can be diverse.
3. Language is based on oral and aural system.
4. Language can die and be extinct.
5. Language has levels.
6. Language is creative and unique.
7. Language is a means of communication.
8. Language identifies culture.
9. Language is a combination of sounds.
10. Languages is dynamic.

Elements of Communication
1. Sender
sends the message with the intention of passing information and ideas.
2. Message
subject matter or the content which is intended to be communicated.
3. Encoding
process of converting the message into symbols.
4. Communication Channel/Media
a medium used in order to pass the message.
5. Receiver
the one who receives the message or who the message is for.
6. Decoding
 translating the encoded message into the language understandable by
the receiver.
7. Feedback
response of the receiver from the message.
Functions of Language by Geoffrey Leech (1974)

1. Informational Function
>> to convey information with truth and value
Ex analytical reports, argument
2. Expressive Function
>> to express emotions
Ex poetry, literature
3. Directive Function
>> to give orders or commands
Ex commands, orders, requests
4. Aesthetic Function
>> to create artistic effect
>> words are considered as linguistic artifacts
Ex poetry and lit
5. Phatic Function
>> to maintain social bonds
Ex casual conversation, small talks