Structures of Language Answers

Language is a shared system of symbols—such as spoken sounds, written words, and signs—and rules that people use to communicate meaning. It is important because it allows us to share information, express thoughts and feelings, cooperate with others, and pass knowledge and culture from one person or generation to another.

Responses may vary and should include all or some of the following information: A phoneme is the smallest distinctive sound unit in a language. For example, the word “dogs” has four phonemes: d, o, g, and s. A morpheme is the smallest unit that carries meaning in a language. Using the same example, the word “dog” has two morphemes: dog and the letter s. Responses may vary and should include all or some of the following information: A phoneme is the smallest distinctive sound unit in a language. For example, the word “dogs” has four morphemes: “d,” “o,” “g,” and “s.” A morpheme is the smallest unit that carries meaning in a language. Using the same example, the word “dog” has two morphemes: “dog” and the letter “s.”

Responses may vary but should include some or all of he following information: Language is made up of an arbitrary set of symbols that convey meaning. It also contains a set of rules for combining these symbols that can be used to create a variety of unique phrases and sentences. Language is important for multiple reasons: it enables communication, allows understanding of other individuals and their thoughts and beliefs, and it makes transmission of ideas and culture possible. Responses may vary but should include some or all of he following information: Language is made up of an arbitrary set of symbols that convey meaning. It also contains a set of rules for combining these symbols that can be used to create a variety of unique phrases and sentences. Language is important for multiple reasons: it enables communication, allows understanding of other individuals and their thoughts and beliefs, and it makes transmission of ideas and culture possible.

Responses may vary but should include some or all of the following information: The first property of a language system is that language is symbolic. This means that individuals use sounds and written symbols to represent objects, actions, events, and ideas. The second property of a language system is that language is generative. This means that a small number of symbols can be combined in an endless variety of ways in order to create many messages. The third property of a language system is that language is structured. This means that specific rules govern the way words are arranged and the way sentences are made so that communication is effective. Responses may vary but should include some or all of the following information: The first property of a language system is that language is symbolic. This means that individuals use sounds and written symbols to represent objects, actions, events, and ideas. The second property of a language system is that language is generative. This means that a small number of symbols can be combined in an endless variety of ways in order to create many messages. The third property of a language system is that language is structured. This means that specific rules govern the way words are arranged and the way sentences are made so that communication is effective.

A phoneme is the smallest speech sound that can distinguish meaning; for example, /b/ distinguishes “bat” from “cat.” A morpheme is the smallest meaningful unit in a language; for example, “-s” in “bats” means there is more than one bat.

Language systems are symbolic, structured, and generative. They use words or signs as symbols for ideas; follow rules for combining sounds, words, and sentences; and allow people to create and understand new messages.