一、绪论
语言学的定义
语言学的研究范畴
几对基本概念
语言的定义
语言的甄别特征
What is linguistics? 什么是语言学？
Linguistics is generally defined as the scientific study of language. It studies not any particular language, but languages in general. 语言学是对语言科学地进行研究的学科。语言学所要研究的不是某一种特定的语言，而是人类所有语言的特性。
The scope of linguistics 语言学研究的范畴
Phonetics语音学\Phonology音系学\Morphology形态学\Syntax句法学\Semantics语义学\Pragmatics语用学\Sociolinguistics社会语言学\Psycholinguistics心理语言学\Applied linguistics应用语言学
Prescriptive vs. descriptive 规定性与描述性
Descriptive：a linguistic study describes and analyzes the language people actually use.
Prescriptive: it aims lay down rules for "correct" behavior.
Modern linguistics is descriptive; its investigations are based on authentic, and mainly spoken data.
Traditional grammar is prescriptive; it is based on "high" written language
Synchronic vs. diachronic 共时性与历史性
The description of a language at some point in time is a synchronic study
The description of a language as it changes through time is a diachronic study
In modern linguistics, synchronic study seems to enjoy priority over diachronic study.
Speech and writing 口头语与书面语
Speech enjoys priority over writing in modern linguistics study for the following reasons:
（1） speech precedes writing in terms of evolution
（2） a large amount of communication is carried out in speech tan in writing
（3） speech is the form in which infants acquire their native language
Language and parole 语言与言语
Language refers to the abstract linguistic system shared by all the members of a speech community
Parole refers to the realization of language in actual use
Competence and performance 能力与运用
Chomsky defines competence as the ideal users' knowledge of the rules of his language
Performance: the actual realization of this knowledge in linguistic communication
What is language? 什么是语言？
Language is a system of arbitrary vocal symbols used for human communication
Characteristics of language: 语言的特性
Language is a rule-governed system
Language is basically vocal
Language is arbitrary （the fact different languages have different words for the same object is a good illustration of the arbitrary nature of language. This conventional nature of language is well illustrated by a famous quotation from Shakespeare's play "Romeo and Juliet": "A rose by any other name would smell as sweet."）
Language is used for human communication
Design features of language 语言的甄别特征
American linguist Charles Hockett specified 12 design features:
1） arbitrariness 武断性
2） productivity 创造性
3） duality 二重性
4） displacement移位性
5） cultural transmission 文化传递性
