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Linguistics Research - Canoza, Andres Miguel V.
Linguistics Research - Canoza, Andres Miguel V.
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION
INTRODUCTION TO LINGUISTICS (SEE 1)
Linguistics
The word ‘linguistics’ has been derived from the Latin word lingua, which means tongue,
and istics, which means knowledge or science. Linguistics is, thus, the scientific study of language.
Linguistics also has the framework and theoretical methods that can be categorized as the scientific
method, specifically tailored for human and social studies. Language analysis is systematically
conducted within the framework of a general theory of language structure (Jufrizal, 2017).
I. Descriptive Linguistics
According to Prasad (2019), descriptive linguistics focuses on the description and analysis
of how a language operates and is used by a given set of speakers at a given time. He elucidated it
as the fundamental aspect of the study of languages. He further stated that it explains how a
language works, rather than how a language should be and its relation with other languages.
Descriptive language also describes the language systematically at all levels, such as phonology,
morphology, syntax, and syntactic analysis.
A. Phonology
Phonology involves the examination of speech sounds and their role within the
sound structure of a specific language, encompassing both phonemics and phonetics
(Prasad, 2019).
Phonemics
It explains the theoretical and comparative dimensions of sound. More
precisely, it pertains to a linguistic aspect focused on categorizing, analyzing,
establishing connections, and recognizing environmental alterations in the
phonemes of a language (Kortmann, 2020).
Phonetics
This discipline delves into the processes of speech, including anatomy,
neurological aspects, speech pathology, and the articulation, classification, and
perception of speech sounds. It is regarded as a pure science and does not
necessarily require exploration in the context of a specific language. The practical
applications of this field are diverse, encompassing areas such as phonetic
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION
INTRODUCTION TO LINGUISTICS (SEE 1)
B. Morphology
As per Prasad (2019), morphology explores the patterns of word formation by
combining sounds into minimal units of meaning, termed morphemes. He further stated
that it involves the regulations guiding the combination of morphemes, incorporating the
addition of prefixes and suffixes to construct words. Prasad's research clarifies that
morphology also investigates alterations in the construction of words, such as the
transformation of the morpheme 'do' into 'does,' 'did,' and 'done.' These modifications may
signify a shift in either tense or number.
C. Syntax
Syntax is a branch of grammar that studies the arrangement of words in sentences.
It describes the grammar and lexis of sentences, examining how words combine to form
phrases, phrases combine to form clauses, and clauses combine to form sentences. Syntax
encompasses the description of the rules governing the positioning of elements such as
nouns, noun phrases, verbs, verb phrases, adverbs, and adverbial phrases within sentences
and their respective functions (Prasad, 2019).
D. Syntactic Analysis
As defined by Kortmann (2020), syntactic analysis focuses on the structural
dimension of language, investigating the different elements within a sentence. This marks
a new perspective in grammar, proposed by linguists like Ferdinand de Saussure, Franz
Boas, Edward Sapir, and Bloomfield. This linguistic approach is commonly referred to as
structuralism.
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION
INTRODUCTION TO LINGUISTICS (SEE 1)
A. Psycholinguistics
According to Prasad's study (2019), psycholinguistics investigates mental
processes, including thought and concept formation. The concept was developed in the
early sixties and has covered a broad spectrum, ranging from phonetics to language
pathology. However, it is now confined to the areas of language and linguistic theory that
psycholinguists tend to focus on. The field has been significantly influenced by the
generative theory and what are referred to as mentalists.
B. Sociolinguistics
Sociolinguistics is a branch of linguistics which examines how language and
society interact, where society plays a significant role in language. For example, language
undergoes changes in form and structure based on social conditions, such as social class,
gender, religion, and cultural groups (Prasad, 2019).
C. Anthropological Linguistics
Anthropological linguistics is a subset of sociolinguistics, focusing on a particular
aspect of the development of language within human society and its contribution to the
shaping of culture (Prasad, 2019).
D. Ethnolinguistics
Ethnolinguistics is a specific field within sociolinguistics that examines language
variations arising from social interactions among specific human races and cultures. These
variations often result from speakers' migration or their residence in border areas (Prasad,
2019).
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION
INTRODUCTION TO LINGUISTICS (SEE 1)
REFERENCES
Jufrizal, M. (2017). Language and linguistics. Pustaka. Ut. Ac. Id, 38(3), 20-21.
Kortmann, B. (2020). English linguistics: essentials. Springer Nature.
https://books.google.com.ph/books?id=0PoFEAAAQBAJ&dq=main+branches+of+lingui
stics&lr=&source=gbs_navlinks_s
Prasad, T. (2019). A course in linguistics, third edition. PHI Learning Pvt. Ltd.
https://books.google.com.ph/books?id=J7eoDwAAQBAJ&dq=branches+of+linguistics&
lr=&source=gbs_navlinks_s