01 Introduction to Linguistics Free Online FlashCards

What does linguistics study?

Linguistics is the systematic, evidence-based study of human language, including its structure, use, acquisition, variation, and change.

What does phonetics examine?

Phonetics examines the physical properties of linguistic signals, including speech sounds and the articulations involved in signs.

What does semantics examine?

Semantics examines conventional meaning: the meanings associated with linguistic expressions.

What does productivity mean in human language?

Productivity is the ability to use learned language patterns to understand and create expressions never encountered before.

How do signed languages relate to spoken languages?

Signed languages have rich grammatical systems and are not simply gestures or word-for-word versions of spoken languages.

What is the aim of descriptive linguistics?

A descriptive approach investigates the forms language users use and judge acceptable in particular communities and contexts; it does not rank them as better or worse.

What is elicitation in linguistic research?

Elicitation uses carefully designed tasks or questions to explore language patterns with language users, such as asking for judgments about a phrase.

What can a minimal pair reveal?

A minimal pair consists of two forms that differ in one sound and have different meanings; it can show that the sounds contrast in that environment.

What does phonology study?

Phonology studies how a language organizes and patterns its sounds or other meaningful forms.

What is the focus of morphology?

Morphology studies word structure, including meaningful parts such as roots and affixes.

What does syntax examine?

Syntax studies how words and phrases combine into sentences.

What does pragmatics examine?

Pragmatics examines how context shapes what an utterance means or accomplishes.