Topic 1

Definitions of language : 

  For a start, let us take a look at the various definitions by applied linguists:

-“Language is a purely human and noninstinctive method of communicating ideas, emotions, and desires by means of a system of voluntarily produced symbols” (Sapir, 1921)

-“A language is a system of meaning – a semiotic system.” (Halliday, 2003: 2)

-“language as a finite system of elements and principles that make it possible for speakers to construct sentences to do particular communicative jobs” (Fasold & Connor-Linton, 2006)

-“Language as a tool for communication” (Nunan, 2007)

-“language, a system of conventional spoken, manual (signed), or written symbols by means of which human beings, as members of a social group and participants in its culture, express themselves.” (Robins and Crystal, 2021)

   A language is a system of conventional spoken, manual (signed), or written symbols by means of which beings express themselves. The more complex a language is, the more varied its display of functions and characteristics. The typical functions of language include communication, the expression of identity, play, imaginative expression, and emotional release.

   Many definitions of language have been proposed. Henry Sweet, an English phonetician and language scholar, stated: “Language is the expression of ideas by means of speech-sounds combined into words. Words are combined into sentences, this combination answering to that of ideas into thoughts.” The American linguists Bernard Bloch and George L. Trager formulated the following definition: “A language is a system of arbitrary vocal symbols by means of which a social group cooperates.” (Robins & Crystal ,2004)

 Language is a representation of thought :

   Of all the definitions of language, this is perhaps the most distant one from how majority of people defined language. It is also a contentious one which can invite fierce debates among linguists. As highlighted by Sapir (1916), “Language and our thought-grooves are inextricably related, are, in a sense, one and the same”.

Conclusion: Representing LANGUAGE for our learners

    we have journeyed through 5 different definitions of language. They represent the meaning of language for us and our learners. On one hand, they influence the way we learn language. On the other hand, they also provide different perspectives on the nature of language and its relevance to us as humans, and continue to drive us in presenting the different aspects of language to our learners.

Reference :

Sapir, E. (1921). Language: An Introduction to the study of Speech. New York USA: Harcourt, Brace & World.

· Halliday, M.A.K. (2003). On Language and Linguistics. London UK: Continuum.

·  Fasold, R., & Connor-Linton, J. (2006). Introduction. In Fasold, R., & Connor-Linton, J. (Eds.), An Introduction to Language and Linguistics (pp. 1 – 12). Cambridge UK: Cambridge University Press.

Nunan, D. (2007). What is this Thing Called Language?. Basingstoke UK: Palgrave Macmillan

 Robert Henry Robins, David Crystal,Fact-checked by The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica ,Last Updated: Apr 2, 2024 • Article History.

https://www.stillmantranslations.com/language-functions-of-language-definition-of-language-translations/

 Sally Robertson, B.Sc. Dr. Catherine Shaffer, Ph.D.