Language Dynamics: Definition, Acquisition, and Contact Analysis

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Added on 2021/04/05

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This assignment provides a comprehensive overview of language, beginning with its definition and exploring its fundamental components such as rules (grammar), sound systems (phonology), and vocabulary (lexicon). It delves into the process of language acquisition, distinguishing between mother tongues and second languages, and examines how individuals acquire languages within their communities. The assignment further investigates language contact, explaining how interactions between speakers of different languages or varieties can lead to language change and the formation of new language forms. It also explores the concept of speech communities, highlighting how shared language rules and norms facilitate communication among members. Through this analysis, the assignment underscores the complex and dynamic nature of language as a human capacity and emphasizes the importance of understanding its features to enhance effective communication.

Together with the creation of human
life is the creation of a wonderful
dynamic human capacity
---- LANGUAGE

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WHAT IS LANGUAGE?
-the system of words or signs that people use to express thoughts
and feelings to each other. (learnersdictionary.com)
- the words, their pronunciation, and the methods of combining
them used and understood by a community (Merriam Webster)

WHAT EXACTLY IS LANGUAGE?
• Linguists agree that language can only be called a language if it
has the following:
a. System of Rules (grammar);
b. Sound System (Phonology); and
c. Vocabulary (Lexicon).
Example:
A monkey may be able to signal to its partner that it is sharing food. The
monkey will produce sounds and gestures, but will not be able to organize the
sounds into a meaningful system with rules. What the monkey is producing is
not a language in the strictest sense of the word. Human beings, on the other
hand, are able to communicate their desire to share food through several ways
that are understandable to other human beings.

When people use language, they can understand each other
because they belong to the same speech community. They can
understand each other because in their speech community,
people share the same set of rules in the language system.
Language Acquisition is a process where people acquire
languages used by those in the community. These languages are
referred as Mother Tongues or first languages.
Second languages on the other hand are lamguages needed for
various reasons. People learn these languages by studying
formally in school or informally on their own. This is the process
of language learning.

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What happens if people visit another speech
community that is different from their own?
Americans and British speak English However, they spell
English words differently. They pronounce words differently.
They have different ways of expressing the same concepts. It can
be said that the Americans and the British belong to two speech
communities which do not have exactly the same set of rules for
their languages. This is why there are differences in their
languages.

What happens if you, for
example, who speaks a mother
tongue and English, go to work
in China where the residents
speak Putonghua (Mandarin)
and a little bit of English?

Language contact - occurs when speakers of two or more
languages or varieties interact and influence each other.
The result of such contact may be a new form of language. It is
possible that in your attempt to communicate with each other,
you and your Chinese friend will produce a new language form
that is understandable to both of you. Your own languages may
also change as you constantly interact and communicate with
each other. Thus, language change is the result of language
contact. Language is indeed a complex human capacity. It is,
therefore, important to be aware of its features and behavior to
be able to use language more effectively and productively in
communicating with others.