Flashcard on The Nature of Language

Front

What is the primary function of language according to the text?

Back

To express thoughts

Front

Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a function of language? Options: Creating music, Recording history, Expressing emotions, Maintaining social rapport

Back

Creating music

Front

Interlocutors

Back

Participants in a conversation

Front

According to the text, what is a key difference between human and animal communication?

Back

Humans can refer to past and future

Front

What are the three fundamental dimensions of language organization mentioned in the text?

Back

Phonological, syntactic, semantic

Front

What does the phonological level of language refer to?

Back

Sounds and their organization

Front

Nature of language as symbolic: It is instinctive, It is arbitrary and conventional, It is universal, It is inherited.

Back

It is arbitrary and conventional

Front

Arbitrariness in language

Back

There is no inherent relationship between a word and its meaning

Front

What is meant by the term 'open-ended system' in the context of language?

Back

Language can create infinite combinations

Front

What does 'displacement' in language allow humans to do?

Back

Talk about past and future events