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HOSPITALITY COMMUNICATION

The document presents five scholarly definitions of language from notable linguists, highlighting their interpretations, such as Saussure's view of language as a system of signs and Chomsky's focus on generative grammar. It also outlines key differences between human language and other forms of communication, emphasizing characteristics like arbitrariness, creativity, displacement, and the complexity of syntax and grammar. Overall, it underscores the unique features of human language that distinguish it from animal communication.

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13 views

HOSPITALITY COMMUNICATION

The document presents five scholarly definitions of language from notable linguists, highlighting their interpretations, such as Saussure's view of language as a system of signs and Chomsky's focus on generative grammar. It also outlines key differences between human language and other forms of communication, emphasizing characteristics like arbitrariness, creativity, displacement, and the complexity of syntax and grammar. Overall, it underscores the unique features of human language that distinguish it from animal communication.

Uploaded by

easylifecafe5
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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KWARA STATE

POLYTECHNIC,ILORIN
INSTITUTE OF APPLIED SCIENCE
HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT
COURSE TITLE: COMUNICATION

By
OMOWARE DORCAS OLUWASEUN

COURSE CODE: (GNS 101)


QUESTIONS

(1a). Give five (5) scholarly definitions of Language and their


interpretations
(1b.) Write in details ways in which human language is different
from other forms of communication

1
1a. Five Scholarly Definitions of Language and Their Interpretations
Saussure’s Definition
"Language is a system of signs that express ideas, and it is composed of a
system of sounds (signifiers) and concepts (signified)."
Interpretation: Ferdinand de Saussure, a key figure in structuralism,
proposed that language is not merely a collection of words but a system
of signs that function by creating relationships between the sound or
symbol (signifier) and its meaning (signified). The meaning of a sign is
derived from its relation to other signs in the system, not from a direct
link to the physical world.

Chomsky's Definition
"Language is a set of finite rules capable of generating an infinite number
of sentences."
Interpretation: Noam Chomsky defines language as a formal system
governed by rules (syntax). His idea of “universal grammar” suggests
that all human languages share a basic structure, and from a small set of
rules, an infinite variety of sentences can be generated. This is the
foundation of generative grammar.

Bloomfield's Definition
"Language is the set of vocal habits used by a community to
communicate."
Interpretation: Leonard Bloomfield, a structural linguist, emphasized the
behavioral aspect of language. He viewed language as a set of learned
vocal behaviors shared by a speech community, focusing on its use in
communication rather than the mental or cognitive aspects of language.

Halliday's Definition

2
"Language is a social semiotic system that enables human beings to
make sense of their world."
Interpretation: Michael Halliday, a proponent of systemic functional
linguistics, defines language as a tool for meaning-making in social
contexts. According to Halliday, language is not just about syntax or
grammar but about how people use it to create meaning, express
experiences, and interact socially.

Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis
"Language is a system of symbols that shapes the way individuals
perceive and categorize the world."
Interpretation: Edward Sapir and Benjamin Lee Whorf proposed that
language influences thought and perception. They argued that different
languages categorize and organize the world in distinct ways, which in
turn affects the worldview of speakers. The Sapir-Whorf hypothesis
suggests that language can shape cognition and even determine how
individuals understand reality.

1b. Ways in Which Human Language is Different from Other Forms of


Communication
Arbitrariness
Human language is arbitrary, meaning that there is no inherent
connection between a word and its meaning. For example, the word
"tree" does not have any physical or inherent relation to the actual
concept of a tree; it is simply a socially agreed-upon symbol. This
contrasts with other forms of animal communication, which are often tied
directly to specific stimuli (e.g., a dog’s bark when it sees a stranger).

Creativity and Generativity

3
Human language has the ability to generate an infinite number of new
expressions using a finite set of rules and words. This is called
generativity, and it is a hallmark of human language. Humans can
produce sentences they have never heard before and convey entirely new
ideas, a capacity not seen in animal communication systems, which tend
to be limited to a fixed set of signals.

Displacement
One of the unique features of human language is its ability to
communicate about things that are not immediately present in time or
space. For instance, humans can talk about the past, the future,
hypothetical scenarios, and abstract concepts. In contrast, animal
communication is typically tied to the here and now, focused on
immediate needs or environmental stimuli.

Syntax and Grammar


Human languages have complex syntactic structures and rules (grammar)
that govern how words and phrases are arranged to form meaningful
sentences. These rules allow for the expression of a wide range of
thoughts, relationships, and nuances. While some animals, like primates,
have complex communication systems, these do not approach the
complexity and flexibility of human syntax.

Symbolism and Abstraction


Human language relies heavily on symbolic thought, where words
represent not only tangible objects but also abstract concepts such as
justice, love, and freedom. This symbolic nature allows humans to
communicate abstract ideas that go beyond the immediate physical
world. Most animal communication systems, in contrast, are concrete,
often limited to immediate needs or direct environmental cues.
4
Cultural Transmission
Human language is learned through social interaction within a specific
cultural context. It is passed down from generation to generation, with
individuals acquiring language from their environment rather than being
biologically programmed to communicate in a particular way. While some
animal communication systems are learned, they are often innate or
genetically programmed to a greater degree, with less cultural flexibility.

Duality of Patterning
Human language operates on two levels: sounds (phonemes) and
meaning (morphemes), which can be combined to create words and
sentences. This duality allows for an efficient and flexible system of
communication, where a small set of sounds can be rearranged in
countless ways to form new meanings. In contrast, animal communication
systems often lack this level of complexity.

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