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The Oxford Languages definition of language Language Essay

Essay Instructions:

Subject:Linguistic



Answer the following question, in maximally 1500 words (excluding title,

references and examples).



Question:

The Oxford Languages definition of language is ‘the method of human communication, either

spoken or written, consisting of the use of words in a structured and conventional way’. What

additions to or criticisms of this definition might one make, with reference to the content of

the first three weeks of this course?



Readings



Week 1 - Animal communication

The Origin of Speech

Author: Charles F. Hockett



Week 2 - 3Language history and change



WEEK 2-3 COURSE SCRIPTS IN ATTACHED FILES



Joseph, John E. 2004. Language and Identity: National, Ethnic, Religious. Houndmills & New York: Palgrave Macmillan. Chap. 7, "Language in National Identities".



Léglise, Isabelle, & Bettina Migge. 2007. 'Language and colonialism'. Language and Communication: Diversity and Change, ed. by Marlis Hellinger & Anne Pauwels. Berlin & New York: Mouton de Gruyter, pp. 297-338.



Anders-Baer, Lars, in cooperation with Ole Henrik-Magga, Robert Dunbar & Tove Skutnabb-Kangas. 2008. ‘Forms of education of indigenous children as crimes against humanity?’ http://www(dot)un(dot)org/esa/socdev/unpfii/documents/E_C19_2008_7.pdf



Phillipson, Robert. 2010. Linguistic Imperialism Continued. London & New York: Routledge.



Joseph, John E. 2006. Language and Politics. Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press. Chap. 3, 'The social politics of language choice and linguistic correctness'.



Lucač, Morana. 2018. 'Grassroots prescriptivism: An analysis of individual speakers' efforts at maintaining the standard language ideology'. English Today 34/4.5-12.





Joseph, John E. 2006. Language and Politics. Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press. Chap. 5, 'Taboo language and its restriction'.



Clark, Andy. 1997. Being There: Putting Brain, Body and World Together Again. Cambridge, Mass.: MIT Press.



Hutchins, Edwin. 1995. Cognition in the Wild. Cambridge, Mass.: MIT Press.



Joseph, John E. 2018. Language, Mind and Body: A Conceptual History. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. Chap. 2, 'Language Incorporated'



Tell me if you need any of these articles and you can not find one or no way to replace it! I'll be here.

Essay Sample Content Preview:

Linguistic: The Oxford Languages Definition of Language
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Linguistic: The Oxford Languages Definition of Language
Introduction
We communicate in different ways, through written and verbal words or using signs, voicings, and gestures. Animals and machines also communicate in their daily routines. Language is important because it enables communication between human beings, machines, and animals. However, machines communicate with the help of human beings. According to the Oxford Languages definition of language is "the method of human communication, either spoken or written, consisting of using words in a structured and conventional way." The authors can add certain aspects to the definition to make it unique or specific in a particular context. While the definition includes essential elements, humans use other symbolic and figurative representations to pass messages. Moreover, modern society has advanced in many ways, and animals (and other species) are incorporated into the human environment. The definition can be improved to include the different beings and elements humans use and interact with while communicating.
The Diverse Elements and Forms of Language
First, the definition should be expanded to include language existing between animals, as well as animals and humans (Joseph, 2017). The definition only focuses on language as a form of human communication. This is not true when we consider the diversity within the human surroundings. In this regard, language becomes a tool for communication between humans and other species, including animals and birds. Emphasizing human communication disregards other vital elements in the way humans live and interact with their surroundings.
All species communicate, which implies that there must be a form of 'language' or 'symbols' that are used to pass these messages (Lukač, 2018). This can be demonstrated by the way domestic animals, such as dogs, communicate. Humans can develop a form of 'communication language' with dogs, cows, cats, birds, and other species. This is usually done through repetitive training that builds an understanding between the animal and the owner. Therefore, the definition must include the elements of communication between humans and other species.
There is no proof that language exists between animals. Since they are part of the human surroundings, it is essential to incorporate their communication forms within the definition. Animals learn to communicate through social interactions. People communicate with their pets through symbols, whistling, and certain words or voices. Through training, they learn to do tasks as commanded. 'Language' in animals can be seen in many ways. For example, birds such as flamingos swing their bodies to pass specific messages. Also, certain birds' species produce certain sounds to indicate a change in season or weather patterns. Humans also observe animal behaviors to understand the weather season. In this regard, we can say that language is not for humans alone.
Non-living things like computers also use language and always communicate with humans. The internet has provided a broad array of communication where humans use technology as an intermediary in passing important messages (Phillipson, 2009). Devices that can access the internet, like computers and smartphones, use unique language to acquire information. The devices also use symbols and signs (emojis) to convey or express the mood or emotions. Since humans are the primary users of technology, the definition must also include the different aspects of human-technology communication. Language goes beyond written and spoken words (Migge & Léglise, 2008, p. 302). There are signs, symbols, and voicings used to pass messages between humans, animals, and technology. People with disabilities also use symbols and other forms of communication.
People often learn languages as they develop from birth. Most people know more than one language. The first language is acquired from our parents and caregivers, while the second language is learned through schooling. Therefore, language comes in different forms that are unique to a group with common characteristics. Many people value the first language as a reference point in communication. Another important aspect of communication is dialect. Notably, there is a thin line between language and dialect. Lan...
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