Question: What is linguistics?
Definition of linguistics
The word ‘linguistics’ is derived from the Latin ‘lingua’ which means tongue and ‘istics’ means knowledge or science. Etymologically, therefore, linguistics is the scientific study of language. However, it is not a specific language, but the study of human language in general. It studies language as a universal and recognized part of human behavior. It tries to describe and analyze the language. The field of linguistics combines an understanding of the place of language in human life, the way it serves the way it is organized to meet requirements, and the way it performs.
According to Nasr, linguistics is concerned with human language as a universal and recognizable part of human behavior and of the human abilities.
That is why today’s linguistics explores varied factors and phenomena relating to language in general and languages in particular such as:
- The sounds of speech and how different sounds function in a language.
- The acoustics of speech and the physiological and psychological aspects involved in producing and understanding a language.
- Formation of words, phrases, clauses, sentences, utterances, and discourse.
- The psychological processes involved in the use of language.
- How children acquire language capabilities.
- Social and cultural factors in language use, variation, and change.
- The biological basis of language in the brain
- Relations of language to technology such as the computer, internet.
- Above all functions of language as a means of communication.
More Notes of Linguistics
Thus, it is clear that linguistics as a discipline operates as a means of communication in societies that are commonly used and seeks out those principles.
