Define the following features of language:
Vocal-auditory channel: Human language is produced orally and is received through the ear.
Reciprocity: Human beings communicate by sending and receiving signals.
Specialization: Linguistic signals have only one purpose—of communication.
Non-directionality: Linguistic signals can be picked up by anyone within the range of the signals.
How does human language differ from animal languages?
Human languages differ from animal languages in many ways. Some of the major features of human languages are 1) displacement, 2) arbitrariness, 3) productivity, 4) cultural transmission, 5) discreteness, and 6) duality. Animal languages do not possess these features.
What is meant by displacement feature of human language?
A major difference between animal language and human language is the displacement feature of human language. It means that human language can overcome the limitations of time and space. Animal communication is designed for here and now. But, human language can relate to events removed in time and space.
What is meant by arbitrariness of human language?
A major difference between animal language and human language is the arbitrariness of human language. It means that human linguistic signs do not have any natural connection between its form and meaning. The only exceptions are the onomatopoeic sounds. In the animal communication, the signs they use are synonymous with meaning.
What is meant by productivity of human language?
A major difference between animal language and human language is the productivity of human language. This refers to the human ability to combine limited linguistic signs to produce new sentences and expressions. Animals are incapable of this as animal signals have fixed reference.
What is meant by cultural transmission of human language?
A major difference between animal language and human language is the cultural transmission of human language. While animals get their language genetically, human beings acquire language. Human languages are passed down by the society in which one lives and grows up.
What is meant by discreteness of human language?
A major difference between animal language and human language is the discreteness of human language. This refers to the uniqueness of the sounds used in human languages. Every language use a set of different sounds. Each of these sounds is different from the rest and are combined to form new meanings. A sound can be repeated, or combined with another to form a new meaning. But, animal languages do not have this feature of discreteness.
What is meant by duality of human language?
One major difference between animal language and human language is the duality of human language. This is not found in animal languages. Human language can be both spoken and written. Even the languages that do not have alphabet can be written down using some symbols. Animal languages are only spoken.
