Applied Linguistics

Teacher: MSc. Israel Bravo

Name: Date:

Course: PIN-S-MA-5 (complete with your paralelo)

Classwork 5: Properties of Human Language

 Watch the following video about the design features of language: https://youtu.be/GenkKxTk7bw
 Read pages 10-15 from the book 'The Study of Language’ by Yule (properties of human language)
 Read the pdf file from Hockett Features of language

Answer the following questions:

1. Why is reflexivity considered to be a special property of human language?

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2. What kind of evidence is used to support the idea that language is culturally transmitted?

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3. What is the difference between a communication system with productivity and one with fixed reference?

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4. Here is a list of four other properties (design features) that are also discussed when human language is
compared to other communication systems:

 Vocal-auditory channel use

 Specialization
 Rapid Fade
 Interchangeability

Are these properties found in all forms of human communication via language?
Are these special properties of human language or can they be found in the communication systems of
other creatures? Explain.
 Applied Linguistics
Teacher: MSc. Israel Bravo

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Create a mind map summarizing the 6 properties of human language

Submit your answers on a PDF document.