History of Linguistics

Kamakshi Rajagopal

Structure of the session

Some theory:
Language as a system of signs (45min)
Break (15min)
Group exercise (30min): groups of 6,
laptops?
Plenary presentation and discussion (30min)

Why Study Language?

Instrument for communication

Instrument for our learning
Insight into our culture
Insight into our brain

Semiotics = Study of Signs

a+b=a-b
xy

:-) :( ;-)
(AB) = AB

Language
as a System of Signs
to convey
Meaning

Ferdinand De Saussure (1857-1913)

A Sign is a Concept
(signifi) conveyed by
a Form (signifiant)
Arbitrary
TREE

ARB
RE
BOO
M

Ferdinand De Saussure (1857-1913)

Language
Langue (abstract)
Parole (utterances)

Synchronic vs diachronic analysis

Syntagma (relations of
succession)
vs
Paradigma (relations of
substitutability)

Example

PARADIGMA

The child catches the ball

The children catch the ball

lights
a lamp
The child
catches
the ball
A
woman
SYNTAGMA

Levels of structure
Phonology: cat /kt/ vs bat /bt/
Morphology: plural cat-s ; children
3rd person sings
Syntax: The cat, The woman sings
Semantics: The cat vs the bat

After de Saussure
- Only structure, no meaning >
generative grammar

- Meaning drives structure >

functionalism

Generative grammar
Rule-based
Well-formed sentences
Semantics?
Colourless green ideas sleep furiously
Adj Adj N V
Adv
NP VP
S

Functionalism
Meaning is the primary driver of form
in language
Language can be used to perform
certain functions
In Europe, two schools of thought:
Prague School Jakobson
Copenhagen School Halliday

Roman Jakobson (18961982)

Six functions of language

Referential function
Expressive function
Conative function
Poetic function
Phatic function
Metalingual function

Louisa is talking to John who is at Rock Werchter. Upon

hearing a song over the telephone, Louisa says:
Hey, Wow!!! That song is by Stromae Papaoutai
Is it Papa, ou tes or Papa, ou tu es? .Hello?
John, can you hear me?

Expres
sive
Sender
Hey,
Wow!

Refere
Context
nce
That song is by
Stromae
Conativ
Poetic
e
Message
Receiver
Papaou
John
tai

Phatic
Channel
Hello?

Metaling
ual
Code
Papa, ou tes or Papa,

Michael Halliday (1925)

Pragmatism
Intention of the speaker
Speech Acts
Locutionary act: the utterance itself
It is cold here.
Illocutionary act: the intended result of the
speaker
Request to close the door
Perlocutionary act: the effect of the
illocutionary act
The door is closed

Exercises: Language in ads

What are the signs used? (form and concept)
How is language used in the ad?
What effect is reached?
Is it a good ad?
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, PLEASE
ASK

References
About de Saussure
Baskin, W. (trans.) (1974). De Saussure, F. Course in General Linguistics,
Glasgow: Fontana

Roman Jakobson
Jakobson, J. (1962-1987). The Selected Writings of Roman Jakobson, The
Hague and Berlin: Mouton.

M.A.K. Halliday
Halliday, M.A.K. (1994). An introduction to functional grammar.
London: E. Arnold.

Chomsky