Modelling English

The Cambridge Encyclopedia of The English Language

Summary
The English language has two models; the structure of English and the uses of English. The former is composed of text, sign, graphology, phonology, lexicon and grammar. Text is a coherent, self-contained unit of discourse. Sign is a visual language used chiefly by the deaf. Graphology is the writing system of a language, such as punctuation marks and layout. Phonology is the pronunciation system of a language including the various patterns of intonation and tone of voice. Lexicon is the vocabulary of a language, involving the sense relationships between words and the compilation of dictionaries. Grammar is the system of rules governing the construction of sentences; syntax and morphology.

The latter consists of social, personal, temporal and regional variation. A language is affected by social variation such as social classes, age and educational backgrounds. People affects a language in literature and humour too. The uniqueness of individuals arises out of differences in personality, social backgrounds and so on. Temporal variation has two aspects. In long term variation, language change is inevitable and continuing as seen in Old English and Middle English. English also changes in short term within the history of a single person. Children acquire their mother tongue and then develop their language as adult speakers. Regional variation has Intranational regional varieties, such as ‘London’ and ‘Scottish’, and International varieties including the pidgins and creoles.

My Idea
I read the first chapter of the book which Steve recommended me to read. The chapter was not long, but there were lot of useful linguistics terms I didn’t know. I have focused on studying only the structure of English. But I know that studying the use of English is also important. I will study sociolinguistics at the postgraduate course. It seems interesting. I will read chapters connected with sociolinguistics next time.

Example sentences of New Words
-These days the media are omnipresent.
-St. is the abbreviation for ‘Saint.’
-Grammatical study is divided into two main aspects; syntax, dealing with the structure and connection of sentences; and morphology, dealing with the structure and formation of words.
-A philologist is the person who studies philology. It is the scientific study of the development of language or a particular language.
-Lack of sleep impairs a driver’s decision-making ability.
-Pidgin English is a simple form of English that is used together with words from a local language.
-Creole is a language formed when a mixture of a European language with a local language, especially an African language spoken by slaves in the West Indies, is spoken as a first language.
-The district is under consideration for designation as a conservation area.
-She enjoyed outdoor pursuits.
-Brain-teaser is a problem that is difficult but fin to solve.
-Churchill was a great orator.
-She shows little appreciation of good music.
-The course teaches students to avoid ambiguity and obscurity of expression.
-You will see other facets of his character.
-He asserts that his words are true.
-The world is becoming increasingly interdependent.