Chapter 1 : Language - Meaning, Characteristics and Functions

MEANING OF LANGUAGE
Language is described as a tool which helps in the transmission of feelings and thoughts, from one person to another. It is the means of expression of what a person feels or thinks, through arbitrarily produced symbols or sounds, such as words (spoken or written), signs, sounds, gesture, posture, etc., that convey a certain meaning.

CHARACTERISTICS OF LANGUAGE

1.Language is Arbitrary: Language is arbitrary in the sense that there is no inherent relation

   between the words of a language and their meanings or the ideas conveyed by them.

2.Language is Social: Language is a set of conventional communicative signals used by humans for

   communication in a community.

3.Language is Symbolic: Language consists of various sound symbols that are employed to denote

   meaning.

4.Language is Systematic: Although language is symbolic, yet its symbols are arranged in a particular

   system.

5.Language is Non-instinctive, Conventional: Language is the outcome of evolution and convention.

6.Language is Productive and Creative: Language has creativity and productivity.

FUNCTIONS OF LANGUAGE

1.Labelling: Identifying an object, act or person by name, so it can be referred to in 

   communication

2.Interaction: Focuses on the sharing and communication of ideas and emotions.

3.Transmission of information: One of most important aspects of language is its ability to

   transmit information across time.

Language has three dimensions of meaning:

a.The symbol refer to objects in the real world.

b.The sense refers to the subjective feelings we have about the symbol.

c.The referent is the actual object as it exists in reality.