FEDERAL COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURAL PRODUCE

TECHNOLOGY (FCAPT), KANO

NAME: ABDULMALIK HARUNA
DEPT: (ND1) COMPUTER SCIENCE
COURSE: GNS 101 USE OF ENGLISH

ASSIGNMENT: Give me (9) Characteristics of Language and explain

(7).

ANSWER:

1. Arbitrary: The connection between the linguistic sign (word) and its
meaning is arbitrary, meaning there's no inherent connection between the
two.

2. Productivity: Language allows speakers to create and understand an

infinite number of novel utterances through the combination of a finite set
of elements.

3. Duality: Language operates at two levels - the surface level of sounds

(or gestures) and the underlying level of meaning, allowing for a wide
range of expression.

4. Displacement: Language enables speakers to talk about things and

events that are not present in the immediate environment, including past,
future, abstract, and hypothetical concepts.

5. Cultural Transmission: Language is primarily learned through exposure

and interaction with other speakers within a particular linguistic
community, making it a cultural phenomenon.

6. Structure Dependence: Language follows specific rules and structures at

various levels such as phonology (sound structure), syntax (sentence
structure), and semantics (meaning).

7. Creativity: Speakers can generate new and meaningful expressions,

sentences, and ideas, allowing for dynamic and innovative
communication.

8. Interchangeability
9. Reflectiveness