Language Module 8, Lesson 2

Why is language so important? ● Linguistic Determinism ○ Language influences the way we think. ○ Could you think without language? ● Makes communication possible ● Truly separates humans from animals ● Gives humans a symbol for abstract concepts ○ HOW WOULD YOU BE ABLE TO SYMBOLIZE RESPECT OR FREEDOM WITHOUT PUTTING LETTERS TOGETHER IN THE FORM OF WORDS

Language Structure ● Phonemes - the smallest unit of sound in language ○ About 40 total in the English language (26 letters plus combinations like ch or sh) ● Morphemes - the smallest units of language that has meaning ○ CARS = 4 phonemes and 2 morphemes = the word CAR is a noun that symbolizes a vehicle and the letter “s” at the end means there are more than one car (AKA makes it plural) ● Grammar ○ Semantics - rules that give us meaning from morphemes, words and sentences ■ Example: My hair is brown. My hare hops constantly. ■ Hair/Hare are the same phonetically, but in context mean something very different. ○ Syntax- the rules we use to assemble sentences ■ Example: Adjectives precede nouns - the white house