Language is a vast field knowledge that requires certain features for it to be used
uniformly yet freely by anyone. With this, there are six main characteristics that govern a
language. Here is a brief explanation for each one of them.
1. Language as a system.
Language is a system that involves the combination of sound and meaning. A system
needs uniform sets of rules to implement just so something can function consistently in the
same way. This is the reason why there are unique branches of language that are responsible
for a certain field of mastery. We have phonology and phonetics for sounds and its production,
morphology for word constructions, syntax for proper use of tenses and pluralization,
semantics for meanings, and pragmatics for contexts. With these, there is a uniform pattern to
be learned to be able to use language in the right way.
For example, the rules of tenses help us determine if something is already done, being
done, or will be done. It helps us further understand the concept of what happened, what is
happening, and what will happen.
2. Language as arbitrary.
As much as everyone is free to use the language, there is no knowing about how one
person will use the language. The use of it may vary from one person to another. Hence, it
signifies that language can be arbitrary and unpredictable based on how the user used it.
Language evolve through time, also because of how our world progress. This just means that
there are unprecedented things that can happen to language.
For an instance, there might be word that sounds like something we know, but it means
a completely different meaning in another person’s language. It means that there is
randomness in language.
3. Language as vocal.
The primary medium of all languages is sound, especially when we use language to
express and communicate. Language may be use to write too, but we only use letters and
symbols for representation. Primarily, sound and articulation is the most basic way to use a
language.
uniformly yet freely by anyone. With this, there are six main characteristics that govern a
language. Here is a brief explanation for each one of them.
1. Language as a system.
Language is a system that involves the combination of sound and meaning. A system
needs uniform sets of rules to implement just so something can function consistently in the
same way. This is the reason why there are unique branches of language that are responsible
for a certain field of mastery. We have phonology and phonetics for sounds and its production,
morphology for word constructions, syntax for proper use of tenses and pluralization,
semantics for meanings, and pragmatics for contexts. With these, there is a uniform pattern to
be learned to be able to use language in the right way.
For example, the rules of tenses help us determine if something is already done, being
done, or will be done. It helps us further understand the concept of what happened, what is
happening, and what will happen.
2. Language as arbitrary.
As much as everyone is free to use the language, there is no knowing about how one
person will use the language. The use of it may vary from one person to another. Hence, it
signifies that language can be arbitrary and unpredictable based on how the user used it.
Language evolve through time, also because of how our world progress. This just means that
there are unprecedented things that can happen to language.
For an instance, there might be word that sounds like something we know, but it means
a completely different meaning in another person’s language. It means that there is
randomness in language.
3. Language as vocal.
The primary medium of all languages is sound, especially when we use language to
express and communicate. Language may be use to write too, but we only use letters and
symbols for representation. Primarily, sound and articulation is the most basic way to use a
language.
