LANGUAGE AND ITS DEFINITION

 A. The Definition of Language
Language is commonly heard in our daily life but we may not exactly know about it. Do you know what language is? Some linguists have different concepts in giving definition of language. Language is part of culture; it is a part of human behavior. Therefore it can be said that language is an acquired habit of systematic vocal activity representing meaning coming from human experiences. Another definition associated with linguists state that language is a system of arbitrary vocal symbols used for human communication. According to Sapir (1921: 8) “Language is a purely human and non-instinctive methods of communication ideas, emotions and desires”. Based on Dictionary, “Language is system of sounds, words etc used by human to communicate thoughts and feelings”. (Oxford Learner’s Pocket Dictionary : 1995).

B. Some Characteristics of Language
Linguists have some descriptions in providing the characteristic of language. The connection comes from the relation between arbitrary and conventional. So it presents a basic description of characteristic of language. The first is that language is sound, the second that language is systematic and the third is that language is meaningful.
1. Language is sound
The most common experience all men have of language is speaking and listening. Therefore, statement that language is sound appears natural. Because linguists consider that language as sound comes before writing and other methods in representing of language. The fact that so many people can speak but they cannot write and read.
2. Language as symbol 
Language is symbolic system connected with ideas, objects and actions. We can express our thoughts, experiences, feelings with the characteristic had by language that is as symbols.

3. Language as arbitrary
The definition of language as arbitrary doesn’t mean that everything about language is unpredictable. If language is completely unpredictable in that system we cannot talk about consonant, noun, pronoun or others. But it actually means that we cannot exactly predict which specific features we will find in a particular language if we are unfamiliar with that language. We cannot easily what a word means just from hearing it.
4. Language as system
Each language basically has two systems, a system of sounds and a system of meanings. Language must be systematic in order that it can be learned and consistently. Only in certain combination of sounds that are possible. Language can be used to make over combinatin to form units of meaning. The speakes can say “I eat an apple”. It is a correct combination to make a complete meaning. It will be impossible if we say “I an apple eat” or “an apple eat I”. 
5. Language as communication
One of the important role of language is mens of communication. Language allows speakers to say things or to express their thoughts, feelings and other communicative needs. Language allows people to live, work, and play together, to tell the truth or to tell a lie. It also allows someone to make greeting or leave-taking.
6. Language as human
The term of human doesn’t mean that language is like human but it means that the comparation between human language and other creature languages. The differences may be described to the process of evolution. No system of animal communiction can make a system of sounds and meaning as good as the system of human communication.
7. Languages are unique
Every language has special characteristic making difference than other languages. Because language is arbitrary. For example the different system of sound.

8. Languages are similar
 Although each language has difference than others but there are still many similiarities can be found among different languages. Such as the similiarity of the system of sound or grammatically. That’s why language can be learned. 


Bibliography
Nasr, Raja T, The Essential of Linguistic Science, Longman House, Harlow, London, England, 1984.
Lyons, John, Language a Linguistic an Introduction, Cambridge University, New York, 1984.
Adriana, Iswah, Pengantar Linguistik, STAIN, Pamekasan, 2006.



  Pamekasan, March 09, 2008

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