The Unfolding of Language and Lexicon - Essay Example

Language and lexicon affiliation Language and lexicon Language is sign or a symbol of communication or expression through speech, sounds or written symbols. Guy (2005) defines language as complex way in which human beings communicate. Language varies from people depending on content and the origin. Different people communicate in different language depending on their knowledge on particular language. There are 6000 to 7000 languages across the globe. Each language identifies with a particular group of people or community. However, language is universal and humans have the ability to understand any language with practice. Guy (2005) points out that a person is fitted with the prowess to speak in a particular language or tone. A person can adapt to express themselves or communicate in any language they are exposed to. From this definition, one may define language as a way in which a person adapts a way of communication and expression. Lexicon refers to the language, words or text that relates to a particular object. Objects have the ability to create composition of words from which they could refer to. In addition, Lexicon also refers to the association of words that refer to a particular group of people. Lexicon also can be defined as a language associated with a particular group of people. Lexicon enables people to identify with a particular object or group. In an argument by Geert (2005) lexicon enables people to share the same expression towards a particular group or object. For instance, a certain group of people or a community may have an identity language. This particular language is defined as lexicon since it describes a particular community. Different from a language, a lexicon cannot be universal. In addition, lexicon is involuntary as persons are born or presented to a particular lexicon based on their place of birth or community of birth. Language has four main features; words, sentences, text and phonetics. Phonetics is a component of language that define the pronunciation and perception of words. It is the study of sound as used in speech. Different languages have specific ways in which phonetics define their interpretation and perception. In an argument by Metcalf (2002) phonetics also define the way in which people understand speech. For instance, pronunciation differs from person to person depending on their understanding on a particular language. Phonetics studies the effectiveness of pronunciation and understanding speech. A word is the main component language. A word is a creation or a definition of a particular object, subject or situation. Additionally, words are used to connect between different definitions. A word can be created using any language with a purpose to make sense and logic. There are no rules that define the creation of words. A word can be created between two persons and define a subject of a situation they only understand. In an argument by Metcalf (2002) a language cannot exist without the composition of words. Words form the basis of which a language is formed. Moreover, words dictate the composition on language. Sentences are words put together to create a sensible piece of speech or text. In general, sentences are a composition of words. However, the composition has to be arranged in a particular manner to make sense. Sentences are made sensible by the use of pieces of speech such as prepositions, nouns, adverbs, adjectives and pronouns. However, this is mandatory since sentences can be created regardless of the language used and the words comprised in the sentence. Guy (2005) points out that sentences should, however, be created with a format that makes sense to the language used. Texts refer to conversations. A conversation is a composition of both words and sentences. Words make up sentences and they make up texts. However, a text can also be in form of speech addressing a particular topic. In an argument by Geert (2005) textbooks and journals contain texts. A text is created with a particular purpose and aimed at a particular audience. The audience intended may access the information and create a response. In general, a text is a form of speech that expresses intent or a particular target. Guy (2005) defines text as sentences with a purpose and intent. The four levels of language include phonemes-phonetics, words, texts and sentences. These levels can also be defined as the features of language. However, the levels of language form the basis on language structure and composition. Phonemes as a level regards to creation of sound. Sounds form the basis of any conversation and speech. For this reason, this level of language is a mandatory inclusion. In addition, phonemes can be able to be transferred from one user to another verbally (Metcalf, 2002). Words form another level of language which dictates the main composition of language. Words are created per the requirements of a particular language. In addition, a word can be created in any language but it must be understandable in the language in which it is created (Guy, 2005). Sentences are also categorized as features of language. In regards to features, sentences are mandatory in the creation of sense in any language. They are comprised of texts and enable conversation between persons. Texts are also features of language. They are responsible for purposeful communication between people. Different from words and sentences, this level of language excludes the generalization of audiences intended for a message. This level of language requires purpose and intent. Cognitive psychology is the mental ability of a person to learn, know and understand.it is influenced by numerous factors. In an argument by Guy (2005) and mental abilities are influenced by the ease at which a person is enabled to comprehend information presented to them. In development, human beings rely greatly on interactions to influence their psychology abilities. Interactions are enabled mostly by communication between human beings which is dependable on language. Through language, a person is able to develop a way in which they are able to interact and communicate to people. In an argument by Geert (2005) this need is responsible for the existence of many languages across the world. Through language, a person is able to communicate and understand information provided to them. This enables the growth of cognitive psychology. The growth of one’s mental ability is dependable on how effective they are able to capture what they see or hear. In an argument by Metcalf (2002) children are taught through speech for easier comprehension. Before this level, a child should first be exposed to a language they easily understand. In most occasions, a child captures the knowledge of the language used around them. After this acquisition, they would then understand instructions as well as conversations being carried out around them. This defines the role of language in cognitive psychology. Guy (2005) asserts that language acquisition and practice defines the level at which a person is able to develop their mental abilities. The author also cites that tutors understand this requirement and school curriculums develop mechanism aimed at language improvements and acquisition. From the paper, it is an obvious assumption language is important in the society. The existence of numerous languages displays the importance of the symbol in the world. Additionally, the paper also provides proof that language is a mandatory requirement in cognitive development. This is based on that human beings rely on communication and interaction to achieve experience and knowledge. References Geert, B. (2005). The grammar of words: an introduction to linguistic morphology. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Guy, D. (2005). The Unfolding of Language: An Evolutionary Tour of Mankinds Greatest Invention. New York: Metropolitan Books. Metcalf, A. (2002). Predicting New Words:The Secrets of Their Success. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company. Read More