Introduction to Linguistics By Syeda Uffaq Zahra

Description

Course Contents:
1. What is Language?
i. Characteristics ii. Functions iii. Comparison with Animal Language
2. Theories of Origin of Language
3. Artificial Language
i. Characteristics ii. Kinds iii. Comparison with Natural Language
4. Universals of Language
5. Difference between Spoken and Written Language
6. Non-Verbal Communication
7. History of Language studies
8. What is Linguistics?
i. Principles on which Linguistics is based ii. Characteristics of Linguistics
9. Misconceptions about Linguistics
10. Branches of Linguistics
11. Major concepts in Linguistics
i. Synchronic vs. Diachronic ii. Syntagmatic vs. Paradigmatic
iii. Langue vs. Parole iv. Competence vs. Performance
v. Form vs. Function
12. Levels of Linguistic Analysis
i. Phonology (phoneme, Allophone, basic concepts of segmental and suprasegmental
aspects of phonology)
ii. Morphology (Morpheme, Morphs, Allomorphs, Lexical and Functional Morphemes, Free
and Bound Morphemes, Inflectional and Derivational Morphemes, Processes of word
formation)
iii. Syntax (Approaches: Traditional, Phrase structure, Transformational-Generative,
Functional, IC Analysis)
iv. Semantics (Conceptual and Associative meaning, Semantic Features, Semantic Fields,
Semantic Roles: Agent, Theme, Instrument, Experience, Location Source, and Goal)
v. Discourse (Cohesion & Coherence, Discourse Markers, Critical Discourse Analysis)
vi. Pragmatics (Presupposition, Implicature, Inference, Reference, Speech Acts, Given vs.
New Information, Conversation Analysis)

About the Author

preface:
Language is a fundamental aspect of human life and is the cornerstone of all communication.
The study of language and its structures, usage, and meaning has been a topic of interest to
scholars for centuries. Linguistics, as a discipline, provides us with a framework to understand
the complexity and diversity of languages around the world.
This book is an introduction to the field of linguistics, covering a range of topics that will give
readers a broad understanding of the principles and concepts that underpin language study. It is
designed for students of linguistics, as well as for those with a general interest in language.
The book begins with an overview of the history of language studies and the various branches of
linguistics, including phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, and pragmatics. Each chapter
explores the fundamental concepts and theories of the respective branch, including the key
terminology, methodologies, and analytical tools used in linguistics.
Throughout the book, we emphasize the importance of language in human society and culture,
and how it shapes our social and cognitive experiences. We also explore the universality and
diversity of languages around the world, and the ways in which they reflect and shape our
experiences.
This book is not intended to be a comprehensive guide to linguistics but rather an accessible and
engaging introduction to the field. It is my hope that this book will inspire readers to further
explore the rich and fascinating world of language and linguistics.

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