📖 Section 1: Meaning, Definitions, Concept, Aims, Functions & Importance of Language¶

Section Overview

This section explores the foundational understanding of language - its meaning, various scholarly definitions, core concepts, aims and objectives of language teaching, functions as identified by linguists, and the multifaceted importance of language in human civilization.

🎯 Learning Objectives¶

By the end of this section, you will be able to:

Define language and explain its meaning
List important definitions of language by various scholars
Describe the key concepts and characteristics of language
Explain the aims and objectives of language teaching
Identify the functions of language as per Roman Jacobson
Analyze the importance of language in various aspects of life

2:01 Meaning of Language¶

Definition

Language is a symbol i.e. form of communication developed by man to express his thoughts and ideas, feelings and wishes to others.

Key Points about Language Meaning¶

Aspect	Description
Sound Clusters	Every human group has developed its own clusters of sound to indicate things, events and activities - called words
Sentence Formation	Sentences are formed by combining words in a particular pattern
Symbolic System	Language represents the symbolic system of sounds, words formed by clustering sound symbols

Noam Chomsky's Definition

"Language is a set (finite or infinite) of sentences, each finite in length, and constructed out of a finite set of elements called words."

Key Points 📌

Sound symbols may be in oral or written form
With limited number of sound symbols, human brain can produce innumerable words
Every human group has developed a specific symbolic system of sound
Language is systematized, non-instinctive, and capable of fulfilling social needs

2:02 Definitions Advanced for Language¶

Theorist/Source	Definition
Spair	"Language is an exclusively human method for communicating ideas, thoughts, emotions and desires. It is not rooted in instinct and employs a system of structured symbols."
Block and Trager	"Language is a system of arbitrary sound symbols by means of which a social group interacts."
General Definition	"Language is the institution used by human beings to communicate and interact with each other by means of conventional and voluntary oral symbols."
M.B. Nirmal	"Language is a structured system of sound symbols used by man to express his ideas and thoughts. If a language is complete with grammar and literature, it is cherished as a classical language."

Analysis of Definitions

Definition Focus	Key Emphasis
First (Spair)	Linguistic behaviour, universality, biological basis
Second (Block & Trager)	Formal system, rules for combining sound symbols
Third & Fourth	Structure of sound symbols, social functions

Exam Tip 📝

From these definitions, infer the primary characteristics of language: Systematic, Arbitrary, Social in nature, and Completeness.

2:03 Concept of Language¶

Understanding Language

Language is a mirror which shows the human mind
It is the creation of human intelligence
Every individual continuously renews it beyond volition or consciousness
Language is an inseparable part of human society

Salient Features of Language¶

flowchart TB
    subgraph FEATURES["🔑 Eight Salient Features of Language"]
        A[Arbitrary]
        B[Social]
        C[Symbolic]
        D[Systematic]
        E[Vocal Sound]
        F[Non-instinctive]
        G[Productive & Creative]
        H[Conventional]
    end
    style FEATURES fill:#e3f2fd,stroke:#2196f3

2:03:1 Language is Arbitrary¶

Definition

There is no natural or inherent relation between the words and the meanings they convey.

Example	Explanation
Stone, tree, animal, woman	No reason why these were named with those specific words
Mrs., Thirumathi, Srimathi	Different languages use different words for married woman

Key Point 📌

Different languages emerged due to the arbitrary selection of words by different social groups.

Aspect	Description
Word Selection	Once selected, a word comes to stay
Social Position	Usage varies based on social position (I, you, he, she, they)
Social Functions	Promotes social relations, culture, harmony, cordial relationships

Without Language

No possibility for social harmony, cordial relationship, social interactions and social organization to grow.

2:03:3 Language is Symbolic¶

Feature	Description
Sound Symbols	Language is made up of various sound symbols
Uniqueness	Every language has its unique sound symbols
Arbitrary Selection	Sound symbols are chosen arbitrarily but conventionally accepted
Meaning Conveyors	Words serve as conveyors of meaning

Example

'Women' denotes adult females
'Men' denotes adult males

2:03:4 Language is Systematic¶

Definition

Though language consists of arbitrary sound symbols, they are arranged according to a particular system to form words; words are structured to form sentences.

flowchart TB
    subgraph SYSTEMS["Language as System of Systems"]
        A[Grammatical System] --> B[Morphological System<br/>Rules for forming words]
        A --> C[Syntax System<br/>Rules for sentence formation]
        B --> D[Singular-Plural]
        B --> E[Tense System]
        C --> F[Mood System]
        C --> G[Aspect System]
    end

System	Description
Phonological	Rules regarding pronunciation
Grammatical	Rules for combining words to form sentences
Morphological	Rules for forming words
Syntax	Rules for sentence formation

2:03:5 Language is Vocal in Nature¶

Aspect	Description
Primary Form	Language is basically made up of vocal sounds
Articulatory Mechanism	Certain human organs raise sounds and control them
Letters	Developed after speech as the graphical form of vocal sounds
Speech Priority	Speech occupies the primary place in language

Important

Languages which have lost the speech form will in due course disappear slowly.

2:03:6 Language is Non-instinctive¶

Feature	Description
Not Born Overnight	No language was born on a single day out of mutually agreed formula
Gradual Evolution	Language gets evolved gradually and employed conventionally
Generational Transmission	Each generation passes on conventions to succeeding generation
Subject to Change	Like all social institutions, language can change, go extinct, grow, expand

Key Distinction 📌

Speech is NOT genetically transmitted at birth
Ability to learn speech IS innate in children
Language is developed through efforts, not instinct

2:03:7 Language is Productive¶

Definition

Language offers scope to create new words by combining sound symbols in different combinations.

Era	New Words Created
18th Century	Democracy, bank reforms
Modern Times	Candidate, proposing, ballot paper, thanks giving
Science & Technology	Many technical words

2:03:8 Language is Conventional¶

Aspect	Description
Social Conventions	Language is passed on through social conventions
Variations	Pronunciation, dialect, sentence-structure differ between languages and sub-sects

2:04 Aims and Objectives of Language Teaching¶

2:04:1 Aims of Language Teaching¶

flowchart LR
    subgraph AIMS["🎯 Five Aims of Language Teaching"]
        A[Develop Basic Skills<br/>Listening, Speaking,<br/>Reading, Writing]
        B[Develop Effortless<br/>Expression &<br/>Communicative Skills]
        C[Develop Skills in<br/>Interpretation,<br/>Appraisals, Evaluation]
        D[Make Language<br/>a Vehicle of<br/>Thought]
        E[Cultivate Respect<br/>for Cultures<br/>& Heritages]
    end

Aim	Description
i)	Develop basic skills in listening, speaking, reading and writing
ii)	Develop effortless expression - communicative skills in varied situations
iii)	Develop skills in interpretation, appraisals and evaluation
iv)	Assist learners in making language a vehicle of thought
v)	Cultivate respect and understanding of cultures and heritages

2:04:2 Objectives of Language Teaching (NCF 2005)¶

National Curriculum Framework 2005

Objective	Description
i) Coherent Writing	Encourage learners to express thoughts fluently, in an organised manner, using language for varied purposes
ii) Develop Creativity	Introduce children to variety of texts and narratives to develop imagination
iii) Develop Sensitivity	Sensitivity towards language use regarding gender, discrimination, and environmental factors

2:05 Functions of Language¶

Definition

Functions of language refers to the purposes for which the language is used.

Three Basic Functions of Language¶

flowchart TB
    subgraph FUNCTIONS["📢 Three Basic Functions"]
        A[Informative Function<br/>Exchanging Information]
        B[Expressive Function<br/>Expressing Feelings & Attitudes]
        C[Directive Function<br/>Regulating External Behaviour]
    end

Function	Purpose	Example
Informative	Exchanging information (may be true or false)	"The earth is round" (true), "Planets revolve around the earth" (false)
Expressive	Expressing feelings and attitudes	"Kumanan cried unstoppably", "Poor people are insensitive to health care"
Directive	Regulating behaviour through commands/requests	"Don't walk on the grass" (command), "Cross the road only when green light is on" (request)

2:05:1 Six Functions of Language by Roman Jacobson¶

flowchart TB
    subgraph JACOBSON["🎭 Roman Jacobson's Six Functions"]
        A[Referential Function]
        B[Poetic Function]
        C[Emotive Function]
        D[Conative Function]
        E[Phatic Function]
        F[Metalinguistic Function]
    end

2:05:1:01 Referential Function¶

Definition

Sharing information with an audience in an objective way. Describes an object, situation or mental state.

Example
"Rainfall in Tamilnadu this year is almost normal"
"Sales are up by 3% this quarter"

2:05:1:02 Poetic Function¶

Definition

Information presented through beautiful and attractive phrases with rhymes and alliterations - "message for its own sake".

Example	Source
"Arise, awake and stop not till you reach the goal"	Vivekananda
"One community; only one God"	Saint Thirumular

2:05:1:03 Emotive Function (Expressive Function)¶

Definition

Providing information mixed with feeling, evoking emotions, desires and moods. Gives direct information about the sender's tone.

Example
"I am excited about the new car I bought"
"I am too sad to inform you about the death of my father"
"Quit India" - evokes emotions
"Garibi Hatao" (Eradicate Poverty) - stimulates action

2:05:1:04 Conative or Directive Function¶

Definition

Focuses on the receiver of the message. Language meant to get attention or reaction from the addressee.

Example
"Can you show John where to find the paper clips?"

2:05:1:05 Phatic or Courtesy Function¶

Definition

Used to establish a social connection without substantial content. Serves to establish, prolong or discontinue communication.

Context	Examples
Meeting	"Good morning", "How are you"
Parting	"Good bye", "Have a nice day", "See you again"

2:05:1:06 Meta-lingual Function¶

Definition

Self-awareness about language - talking about the language itself: features, word definitions, clarifying ambiguity, deliberate word play.

Example

"I could not help but feel a touch of Schadenfreude (a sense of pleasure or joy from the failure of others) when the other team lost by 50 points."

Geoffery Leech's Functions¶

Function
Informational Function
Expressive Function
Directive Function
Aesthetic Function
Phatic Function

2:06 Importance of Language¶

flowchart TB
    subgraph IMPORTANCE["🌟 Importance of Language"]
        A[Means of Communication]
        B[Vehicle of Thought]
        C[Transmission of Culture]
        D[Medium of Knowledge Transmission]
        E[Social Identity Expression]
        F[Cultural Identity]
        G[Language Software]
        H[Means of Socialisation]
        I[Important to Business]
        J[Economic & Social Benefits]
        K[Opens Career Opportunities]
    end

Importance	Description
i) Means of Communication	Primary means for human beings through speech and writing
ii) Vehicle of Thought	Used efficiently for thoughts; proficiency helps in undisturbed thought flow
iii) Transmission of Culture	Through language we learn norms and values of society
iv) Medium of Knowledge Transmission	Used in formal and informal teaching-learning situations
v) Social Identity Expression	Develops social solidarity among speakers
vi) Cultural Identity	Linguistic characteristics between members of a group
vii) Language Software	Helps in software development like Microsoft Windows
viii) Means of Socialisation	Medium for interactions and socialisation
ix) Important to Business	Fosters personal relationships with clients, suppliers, employees
x) Economic & Social Benefits	Communicates thoughts, forges friendships, cultural ties
xi) Opens Career Opportunities	Proficiency in common languages opens career options

📝 Quick Revision Table¶

Topic	Key Points
2:01 Meaning	Symbol, sound clusters, words, sentences, systematic, non-instinctive
2:02 Definitions	Spair, Block & Trager, M.B. Nirmal - structured sound symbols
2:03 Concept	8 features: Arbitrary, Social, Symbolic, Systematic, Vocal, Non-instinctive, Productive, Conventional
2:04 Aims & Objectives	5 aims + NCF 2005's 3 objectives (coherent writing, creativity, sensitivity)
2:05 Functions	3 basic + Jacobson's 6 (Referential, Poetic, Emotive, Conative, Phatic, Metalinguistic)
2:06 Importance	11 aspects from communication to career opportunities

🧠 Memory Mnemonics¶

For 8 Features of Language - ASSS VNPC

Arbitrary
Social
Symbolic
Systematic
Vocal
Non-instinctive
Productive
Conventional

For Jacobson's 6 Functions - RPE CPM

Referential
Poetic
Emotive
Conative
Phatic
Metalinguistic

❓ Review Questions¶

Explain the meaning and functions of language. (A) [Ans: 2:01 + 2:05:1 + 2:05:1:01 to 2:05:1:06]
Give the important definitions offered for language. (C) [Ans: 2:02]
What is language? Discuss the various concepts related to it and bring out the nature of language. (A) [Ans: 2:03 + 2:03:1 to 2:03:8]
Discuss the aims and objectives of language teaching. (B) [Ans: 2:04:1 + 2:04:2]
Discuss the importance of language. (B) [Ans: 2:06]

Section Complete ✅

You have completed Section 1 covering the Meaning, Definitions, Concept, Aims, Functions and Importance of Language. This foundational knowledge is essential for understanding how language operates in educational and social contexts.

Bridge → Next section covers Proficiency of Home Language and School Language - understanding how first and second language acquisition differs and their significance in education.

📖 Section 1: Meaning, Definitions, Concept, Aims, Functions & Importance of Language¶

🎯 Learning Objectives¶

2:01 Meaning of Language¶

Key Points about Language Meaning¶

2:02 Definitions Advanced for Language¶

2:03 Concept of Language¶

Salient Features of Language¶

2:03:1 Language is Arbitrary¶

2:03:2 Language is Social¶

2:03:3 Language is Symbolic¶

2:03:4 Language is Systematic¶

2:03:5 Language is Vocal in Nature¶

2:03:6 Language is Non-instinctive¶

2:03:7 Language is Productive¶

2:03:8 Language is Conventional¶

2:04 Aims and Objectives of Language Teaching¶

2:04:1 Aims of Language Teaching¶

2:04:2 Objectives of Language Teaching (NCF 2005)¶

2:05 Functions of Language¶

Three Basic Functions of Language¶

2:05:1 Six Functions of Language by Roman Jacobson¶

2:05:1:01 Referential Function¶

2:05:1:02 Poetic Function¶

2:05:1:03 Emotive Function (Expressive Function)¶

2:05:1:04 Conative or Directive Function¶

2:05:1:05 Phatic or Courtesy Function¶

2:05:1:06 Meta-lingual Function¶

Geoffery Leech's Functions¶

2:06 Importance of Language¶

📝 Quick Revision Table¶

🧠 Memory Mnemonics¶

❓ Review Questions¶