Introduction to

Linguistics

Key Points
Definition of Linguistics
Linguistics vs. Traditional Grammar
Use of Studying Linguistics
Scope of Linguistics

Definition of Linguistics
The scientific study of language
Analyzes human language as a system for

relating sounds and meanings

Two Main Purpose of Linguistics

It studies the nature of language and tries to

establish a theory of language and describes

languages in the light of the theory
established
It examines all the forms of language in
general and seeks a scientific understanding
of the ways in which it is organized to fulfill
the needs it serves and the functions it
performs in human life

Goals of Linguistics
To describe language
To explain the unaware knowledge all

speakers have about their language

Linguistics vs. Traditional

Grammar

To uncover general principles underlying

human language
To provide reliable descriptions of
individual language

Linguistics vs. Traditional

Grammar

Linguistics describes languages and does not

lay rules of correctness.

Linguists regard the spoken language as
prima
Traditional grammar is based on Latin and it
tries to impose the Latin categories and
structures on other languages
Linguistics describes each language on its
own merits

Use of Studying Linguistics

FOR A STUDENT OF LANGUAGE

To know the general properties of language

can help the students to have an overview
of the human language which in turn will
stop him asking unnecessary questions.

Use of Studying Linguistics

FOR A TEACHER

He will learn about not only how language

is pronounced or structured, but also how it
should be presented to learners.
He will know not only how each level of
the language system is related to other
levels, but also how language is closely
related to many things outside itself. (mind,
brain, society, etc.)

Scope of Linguistics
Microlinguistics
Includes phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax,
semantics and pragmatics
Macrolinguistics
Includes sociolinguistics, psycholinguistics,
neurolinguistics, stylistics, discourse analysis,
computational linguistics, cognitive linguisitcs and
applied linguistics

Thank You!