What is language 1

Question 1

Who defined language as a purely human and non-instinctive method of communicating ideas, emotions, and desires?

Answer 1

Edward Sapir

Sapir emphasized the use of voluntarily produced symbols, primarily auditory.

Question 2

What is the primary medium of language according to Edward Sapir?

Answer 2

Auditory symbols

Language is primarily a matter of speech.

Question 3

According to David Crystal, what are the four key characteristics of language?

Answer 3

• Human vocal noise
• Systematically and conventionally used
• By a community
• For purposes of communication

Question 4

What is the main function of language as mentioned in the text?

Answer 4

Communication

Question 5

How does John Lyons’ view on language differ from that of Edward Sapir?

Answer 5

Lyons makes no attempt to specify what is communicated.

Question 6

What does the term ‘non-instinctive’ imply in the context of language acquisition?

Answer 6

An infant acquires the language of the society in which it grows up.

Question 7

According to Steven Pinker, is language instinctive?

Answer 7

Yes and no

Question 8

List the characteristics that indicate language is instinctive according to Steven Pinker.

Answer 8

• Tendency to speak
• Acquire a language without instruction
• Do NOT consciously convert thoughts into speech

Question 9

What does the non-instinctive aspect of language imply?

Answer 9

We choose what to say and whether to say anything.

Question 10

Who described language as a form of human communication primarily transmitted by vocal sounds?

Answer 10

Stuart C. Poole

Poole emphasizes the symbolic nature of language.

Question 11

Fill in the blank: Language is a system of _______ produced symbols.

Answer 11

voluntarily