What is Language?

Linguists agree that a language can only be called a language if it has a system of rules

(also known as grammar), a sound system (phonology), and a vocabulary (lexicon).
These are the requirements for identifying a means of communication as a language.
When people use a language, they can understand each other because they belong to
the same speech community. They can understand each other because in their speech
community, people share the same set of rules in language system. While growing up,
people acquire the languages used by those in the community. This is the process
of language acquisition. The languages acquired while growing up are known
as mother tongues, which may also be referred to as first languages. People discover
later on that other languages are needed for various reasons. These other languages
may be referred to as second languages. People learn these languages by studying
formally in school or informally on their own. This is the process of language learning.
What happens if you, for example, who speak a mother tongue and English, go to work
in China where residents speak Mandarin and a little bit of English? Will you be able to
communicate with the Chinese? The answer is yes. Though it will be a challenge for you
and for your Chinese friends to try to understand each other, eventually, you will be able
to communicate as you slowly learn each other’s languages. What is happening here is
called language contact. The result such contact may be a new form of language. It is
possible that in your attempt to communicate with each other, you and your Chinese
friend will produce a new language form that is understandable to both of you. Your
own languages my also change as you constantly interact and communicate with each
other. Thus, language change is the result of language contact.

Teacher’s Insights

Language is indeed a complex human capacity. It is, therefore, important to be aware of

its features and behavior to be able to use language more effectively and productively in
communicating with others.