Flashcard on Language Features and Functions

Front

Arbitrariness in language

Back

The lack of intrinsic connection between words and their meanings

Front

Which of the following is NOT a design feature of language? Creativity, Simplicity, Arbitrariness, Duality

Back

Simplicity

Front

Who first proposed the concept of arbitrariness in language?

Back

Saussure

Front

What does 'duality' in language refer to?

Back

The existence of two levels of structure: sounds and meanings

Front

Which function of language is primarily used to convey information?

Back

Informative function

Front

What is an example of the performative function of language?

Back

Declaring a meeting open

Front

What is the 'displacement' feature of language?

Back

The ability to refer to things not present in time and space

Front

What is the primary medium of all languages according to the text?

Back

Sound

Front

Example of the emotive function of language: Dear Professor, I now declare the meeting open, What a beautiful sight!, Water boils at 100ºC

Back

What a beautiful sight!

Front

What does 'cultural transmission' in language imply?

Back

Language is passed on through teaching and learning