The Structure of Language: Videos & Practice Problems

Language is a structured system of symbols and rules unique to humans, allowing for the expression of complex ideas. It differs from general communication, which includes various forms like body language and vocal signals. Key features of human language include the ability to create infinite novel sentences, refer to abstract concepts, and facilitate internal thought processes. Language units consist of sentences, phrases, morphemes (smallest meaningful units), and phonemes (sound units), with syntax rules governing word combinations specific to each language.

Language

Language and communication are fundamental concepts that, while related, serve distinct purposes. Communication refers to the process of exchanging information or signals between organisms, which can take various forms such as vocalizations, body language, or chemical signals. This ability is widespread across the animal kingdom, showcasing a broad spectrum of communication skills among different species.

In contrast, language is a uniquely human capability characterized by a structured system of symbols, such as words, and rules, including grammar, that allow for the expression of complex ideas and information. Several key features distinguish human language from animal communication:

Firstly, human languages possess the ability to generate an infinite number of novel utterances. This means that individuals can create and articulate sentences that have never been spoken before, continuously combining words in new ways. Secondly, human language can refer to intangible or abstract concepts, enabling discussions about the future, the past, or even fictional entities like unicorns. This capacity to convey abstract ideas is not observed in animal communication systems.

Additionally, language allows for internal use, enabling individuals to engage in internal monologues, reflect on thoughts and behaviors, and mentally categorize information. This internal processing influences neural organization, supported by biological evidence.

While animal communication systems, such as those of whales, dolphins, and great apes, exhibit remarkable complexity, they do not encompass the specific features that define human language. Thus, while all language is a form of communication, not all communication qualifies as language. Understanding this distinction highlights the unique nature of human linguistic capabilities.

The Structure of Language Example 1

In exploring the distinctions between language and communication, we can categorize various examples based on their characteristics. Language is a unique system primarily used by humans, characterized by its ability to convey abstract concepts, hypotheticals, and intangible ideas. In contrast, communication encompasses a broader range of systems used by various species, including animals, to convey information.

For instance, when considering the statement about bees performing a waggle dance to direct other bees to pollen, this clearly exemplifies communication. Bees utilize this method to share information about food sources, but it does not involve the complexities of human language.

On the other hand, the interaction between a parent and a teenager discussing the pros and cons of different college majors illustrates the use of human language. This scenario highlights the ability to engage in abstract thinking and hypothetical discussions, which are distinctive features of human linguistic capabilities.

Additionally, vervet monkeys using different calls to warn their colony mates of specific predators is another example of communication. While these calls serve a critical function in their social structure, they lack the abstract qualities that define human language.

In summary, the key takeaway is that while all forms of communication serve important roles in conveying information, human language is uniquely equipped to handle abstract and hypothetical discussions, setting it apart from the communication systems observed in the animal kingdom.

Which of the following statements are true of language?
I) Language can influence brain organization. 
II) Language has a finite capacity for novel combinations. 
III) Language can describe abstract ideas.

• A. I & II.
• B. I & III.
• C. II & III.
• D. I, II, & III.

Answer: (B)

Units of Language

Language is structured in a hierarchy of units, starting with sentences, which are the largest units representing complete thoughts. Sentences adhere to grammatical rules that dictate how words can be combined. For instance, the sentence "The hungry dog ate the muffins" includes a subject ("the hungry dog"), a verb ("ate"), and an object ("the muffins").

Next in the hierarchy are phrases, which are groups of words that do not form complete sentences on their own. Phrases may lack a subject, verb, or object. In the previous example, "the hungry dog" and "ate the muffins" can be identified as phrases that contribute to the overall meaning of the sentence.

Moving further down, we encounter morphemes, the smallest units of language that carry meaning. Most individual words function as morphemes, but some words can be broken down into smaller parts. For example, the word "muffins" consists of two morphemes: "muffin" and the plural suffix "s," which indicates more than one. This highlights how morphemes can include prefixes and suffixes that modify the meaning of a base word.

The smallest units of language are phonemes, which are sound units. In English, there are 44 phonemes, which differ from the 26 letters of the alphabet. Certain letters can produce multiple sounds, especially vowels, and combinations of letters can create unique sounds, such as "ch" in "chat." For example, the phonemes in the word "dog" are represented as /d/, /ɔ/, and /g/, illustrating how these sound units combine to form words.

Understanding these units of language is essential, as they are universal across human languages, although the rules of syntax—how words are ordered and combined—vary by language. In English, the typical sentence structure follows a subject-verb-object format, as seen in "The dog fetched the ball," and adjectives usually precede the nouns they modify, such as in "the fuzzy cat." These syntax rules are crucial for constructing grammatically correct sentences in any language.

The Structure of Language Example 2

Morphemes are the smallest units of language that carry meaning, and understanding them is essential for analyzing words. For example, the word talking consists of two morphemes: talk, which can stand alone and conveys meaning, and the suffix –ing, which indicates the present participle form, adding a continuous aspect to the verb. This illustrates how morphemes can modify the meaning of a base word.

In contrast, the word book is a single morpheme. It stands alone and has a clear meaning, making it straightforward in terms of morpheme analysis.

Another example is the word ducks, which also contains two morphemes: duck, a noun that can exist independently, and the suffix –s, which denotes plurality, indicating more than one duck. This demonstrates how morphemes can work together to convey additional information about a word.

By breaking down words into their morphemes, we can better understand their structure and meaning, enhancing our grasp of language.

Zola states that morphemes are the smallest unit of language. Is this statement true? If not, how would you correct the statement?

• A. Zola is correct.
• B. Zola is incorrect: morphemes are the largest units of language.
• C. Zola is incorrect: morphemes are the smallest unit of language with meaning.
• D. Zola is incorrect: both morphemes and phonemes are the smallest unit of language.

Answer: (C)

The statement “They are a student clever” violates which type of rule that governs language?

• A. Phonetic rules.
• B. Implicit rules. 
• C. Syntax rules.
• D. Morpheme rules.

Answer: (C)

Here’s what students ask on this topic:

What is the difference between language and communication?

Language is a structured system of symbols and rules unique to humans, allowing for the expression of complex ideas. It involves grammar and vocabulary that enable us to generate infinite novel sentences, refer to abstract concepts, and facilitate internal thought processes. Communication, on the other hand, is the process of exchanging information or signals between organisms, which can include vocal sounds, body language, and chemical signals. While all language is a form of communication, not all communication qualifies as language. Animal communication, for example, lacks the complexity and unique features of human language.

What are the key features that distinguish human language from animal communication?

Human language has several unique features that distinguish it from animal communication. First, it can generate an infinite number of novel utterances, allowing for endless combinations of words to create new sentences. Second, human language can refer to intangible or abstract concepts, such as the future, democracy, or mythical creatures like unicorns. Third, it facilitates internal thought processes, enabling internal monologues, reflection on thoughts and behaviors, and mental categorization of information. These features are not observed in animal communication systems, which, although sophisticated, do not exhibit the same level of complexity and versatility.

What are the different units of language?

The units of language are organized hierarchically. The largest unit is the sentence, which represents complete thoughts and follows grammatical rules. Below sentences are phrases, which are groups of words that fit together but do not form complete sentences. Morphemes are the smallest units of language with meaning, such as individual words or meaningful parts of words like prefixes and suffixes. The smallest units are phonemes, which are the distinct sounds that make up words. Each language has its own syntax rules that dictate how these units can be combined to form coherent and grammatically correct sentences.

What is the role of syntax in language?

Syntax refers to the set of rules that govern the structure of sentences in a language. It dictates how words can be combined and in what order to form meaningful and grammatically correct sentences. Syntax rules are specific to each language and determine the arrangement of subjects, verbs, and objects, as well as the placement of adjectives and other modifiers. For example, in English, the typical sentence structure is subject-verb-object (e.g., 'The dog fetched the ball'), and adjectives usually precede the nouns they modify (e.g., 'the fuzzy cat'). Syntax is essential for ensuring clarity and coherence in communication.

How do morphemes and phonemes differ in language?

Morphemes and phonemes are both fundamental units of language, but they serve different functions. Morphemes are the smallest units of language that carry meaning. They can be whole words or parts of words, such as prefixes, suffixes, and root words. For example, 'unhappiness' consists of three morphemes: 'un-', 'happy', and '-ness'. Phonemes, on the other hand, are the smallest units of sound in a language. They do not carry meaning by themselves but are combined to form morphemes and words. For instance, the word 'dog' consists of three phonemes: /d/, /ɒ/, and /g/.