Structures of Language

Explain the difference between a phoneme and a morpheme, and provide an example of each.

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.

Define language and explain why it is important.

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.

Which of the following statements about language is true?

Languages use spoken sounds, written words, and signs to represent ideas and events.

__________, which varies among languages, is the set of rules for arranging words into sentences.

Syntax

Describe the three properties of language systems.

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 word's meaning consists of denotation and connotation.

True

Roxanne's Italian teacher was talking about how adjectives are placed after the noun, unlike in English. The teacher is instructing the students in the __________ of Italian.

syntax

How many morphemes are there in the word "bats"?

two

The only modes of communication are through the spoken and written word.

False