PART II
Definition :
- Structural Linguistics: A linguistic approach that considers language as a self-contained and self-regulating system, where elements derive meaning from their relationships within the system rather than from external references.
- Linguistic Sign: A fundamental concept in structural linguistics, consisting of two components: the signifier (the sound pattern, word, or symbol) and the signified (the concept or meaning associated with the signifier).
- Langue: In Saussurean linguistics, langue refers to the underlying system or structure of a language shared by members of a linguistic community, which enables mutual understanding. It encompasses the rules, conventions, and patterns that govern language.
- Parole: Refers to the individual instances of speech or language use by speakers. It is the manifestation of langue through specific utterances or expressions produced by individuals in particular contexts.
- Semiotics: The study of signs and symbols and their use or interpretation, including linguistic signs. It explores how signs convey meaning and how meaning is constructed through sign systems.
- Synchronic Approach: An analytical approach that focuses on describing the structure or features of a language at a particular point in time, without considering its historical development or diachronic changes.
- Diachronic Analysis: An analysis that examines the historical development and evolution of language over time, including changes in its structure, vocabulary, and usage patterns.
- Empirical Analysis: A methodological approach that relies on observation, experimentation, and evidence from real-world data to study phenomena, in this case, language and linguistic behavior.
- Phonetic Form: Refers to the sounds of language, including their production, articulation, and perception. Phonetics studies the physical properties of speech sounds and how they are used in language.
- Behavioral Approach: Emphasizes the observable behavior of language users and their interactions with language in real-world contexts, focusing on language as a set of behaviors rather than abstract structures.
QCM
Question 1: Structural linguistics, as described in the passage, views language as:
a) A static and isolated system
b) A dynamic and interconnected system
c) A system primarily concerned with phonetics
d) A system governed solely by meaning
Question 2: According to Ferdinand de Saussure, what is a "linguistic sign" composed of?
a) A signifier and a sign
b) A signifier and a concept
c) A symbol and a meaning
d) A word and a phoneme
Question 3: What is the primary difference between Saussure's and Bloomfield's approaches to structuralism?
a) Saussure emphasizes diachronic analysis, while Bloomfield focuses on synchronic analysis
b) Saussure focuses on language as behavior, while Bloomfield emphasizes the linguistic sign
c) Saussure focuses on language as it exists in historical and contemporary contexts, while Bloomfield emphasizes a synchronic approach
d) Saussure emphasizes the arbitrary nature of language, while Bloomfield is concerned with studying language as it is used in real-world contexts
Question 4: According to Saussure, what is the distinction between "langue" and "parole"?
a) Langue refers to speech, while parole refers to language
b) Langue refers to historical language development, while parole refers to contemporary language usage
c) Langue refers to the virtual system of language, while parole refers to individual utterances
d) Langue refers to language as behavior, while parole refers to language as a system of signs
Question 5: What does Bloomfield emphasize as the starting point for linguistic study?
a) The meaning of words
b) The historical development of language
c) The phonetic form of language
d) The syntactic structure of language
Question 1: Structural linguistics, as described in the passage, views language as:
Correct Answer: b) A dynamic and interconnected system
Explanation: The passage states that structural linguistics conceives of language as a "self-contained, self-regulating semiotic system whose elements are defined by their relationship to other elements within the system," indicating a dynamic and interconnected nature.
Question 2: According to Ferdinand de Saussure, what is a "linguistic sign" composed of?
Correct Answer: b) A signifier and a concept
Explanation: Saussure's structuralism defines a linguistic sign as consisting of a signifier (the word or symbol) and a signified (the concept it represents).
Question 3: What is the primary difference between Saussure's and Bloomfield's approaches to structuralism?
Correct Answer: d) Saussure emphasizes the arbitrary nature of language, while Bloomfield is concerned with studying language as it is used in real-world contexts
Explanation: Saussure's structuralism emphasizes the arbitrary nature of language and focuses on describing the structure of language at a particular point in time, while Bloomfield's approach emphasizes language as behavior and empirical analysis in real-world contexts.
Question 4: According to Saussure, what is the distinction between "langue" and "parole"?
Correct Answer: c) Langue refers to the virtual system of language, while parole refers to individual utterances
Explanation: Saussure distinguishes between langue (the virtual system of language possessed by a linguistic community) and parole (individual utterances or speech acts).
Question 5: What does Bloomfield emphasize as the starting point for linguistic study?
Correct Answer: c) The phonetic form of language
Explanation: Bloomfield posits that linguistic study must start from the phonetic form of language, emphasizing the empirical analysis of language as it is used in real-world contexts.
PART II
1. Which Swiss linguist is credited with laying the foundation for structural linguistics? a) Noam Chomsky b) Leonard Bloomfield c) Ferdinand de Saussure d) Roman Jakobson
2. What is the main focus of structural linguistics? a) Historical linguistics b) Phonetics c) Language structure and relationships d) Semantics
3. According to structural linguistics, how are the elements of language defined? a) By their individual meanings b) By their relationship to non-linguistic symbols c) By their relationship to other elements within the system d) By their phonetic properties
4. What does the linguistic sign consist of, according to Ferdinand de Saussure? a) Signifier and signified b) Signifier and concept c) Signifier and phoneme d) Signified and meaning
5. Which term refers to the virtual system of language shared by a linguistic community? a) Langue b) Parole c) Phonetics d) Semiotics
6. Who emphasized language as behavior within the context of structural linguistics? a) Roman Jakobson b) Noam Chomsky c) Leonard Bloomfield d) Edward Sapir
7. What does Bloomfield posit as the starting point for linguistic study? a) Historical development of language b) Phonetic form of language c) Semantic analysis d) Morphological structure
8. Which linguistic concept emphasizes the arbitrary nature of language? a) Diachronic analysis b) Phonetics c) Langue d) Parole
9. What is the primary difference between Saussure's and Bloomfield's approaches? a) Saussure focuses on behavior, while Bloomfield emphasizes phonetics. b) Saussure focuses on diachronic analysis, while Bloomfield emphasizes synchronic analysis. c) Saussure emphasizes the arbitrary nature of language, while Bloomfield is concerned with real-world usage. d) Saussure emphasizes semantics, while Bloomfield emphasizes syntax.
10. What is the main goal of semiotics? a) Study of linguistic phonetics b) Analysis of historical language development c) Study of signs and symbols d) Exploration of syntactic structures
11. Which approach primarily examines the historical development of languages? a) Synchronic analysis b) Diachronic analysis c) Structural analysis d) Phonological analysis
12. According to Saussure, what is "parole"? a) Historical language development b) Individual utterances or speech acts c) Virtual system of language d) The phonetic form of language
13. What is the term for the study of signs and symbols and their interpretation? a) Semantics b) Phonology c) Semiotics d) Morphology
14. Which linguist emphasized the relationship between signifier and signified? a) Noam Chomsky b) Ferdinand de Saussure c) Edward Sapir d) Leonard Bloomfield
15. What is the primary focus of a synchronic approach? a) Historical changes in language b) Description of language at a particular point in time c) Analysis of individual utterances d) Phonological variation
16. What does Bloomfield emphasize as the starting point for linguistic study? a) Syntax b) Morphology c) Phonetics d) Semantics
17. What is the distinction between "langue" and "parole"? a) Langue refers to speech, while parole refers to language. b) Langue refers to historical language development, while parole refers to contemporary language usage. c) Langue refers to the virtual system of language, while parole refers to individual utterances. d) Langue refers to language as behavior, while parole refers to language as a system of signs.
18. What concept did Saussure's work lay the foundation for? a) Phonology b) Semiotics c) Syntax d) Morphology
19. What does Bloomfield emphasize as the primary focus of linguistic study? a) Phonetics b) Semantics c) Pragmatics d) Syntax
20. Which linguistic concept focuses on describing the structure of a language at a particular point in time? a) Synchronic analysis b) Diachronic analysis c) Phonological analysis d) Morphological analysis
