Language is the intelligent transformation of thought ( cognition) into discrete semantic and logical concepts ( words), and the patterned usage of these concepts ( grammar) to form expressions. [1]
When used in communication, expressions which contain valid semantics and logic are said to be comprehensible, and may convey meaning and facilitate understanding.
In humans, natural language uses speech, wherein words ( encapsulations of concept) are communicated audibly by the usage of phonemes — mouth-created sounds assembled to represent words. Combining spoken words in accord with rules of language creates spoken expressions, constituting speech. Writing is a graphical symbolic representation of speech, representing either discrete concepts or phonemes.
Communication through speech, along with historic geographical and cultural divergence, has generated a diverse number of differentiated "natural languages" —each being distinguished systems of expression that have particular rules and standards for pronunciation, word formation, and grammar, along with particular cultural traditions guiding expression. Words are assembled in accord with the semantic values and grammatical logic inherent to the particular natural lanugage (ie. lexemes, affixes, operators).
Language usage has led to the development of greater conceptualization and problem-solving skills, leading up to the ability to reason and the ability to form complex rational arguments. In Ancient Greek philosophical terminology, the same word, logos, was used as a term for both language or speech and reason, and the philosopher Thomas Hobbes used the English word "speech" so that it similarly could refer to reason, as will be discussed below. More commonly though, the English word "language", derived ultimately from lingua, Latin for tongue, typically refers only to expressions of reason which can be understood by other people, most obviously by speaking.
Strictly speaking, language is considered to be an exclusively human mode of communication. Although other animals make use of quite sophisticated communicative systems, sometimes casually referred to as animal language, none of these are known to make use of all of the properties that linguists use to define language.
CommentsI tried once to edit this per method advised and did something wrong. I do not see the point of the unnecessary complication. Here are some comments, by sentence.
...and so on. Really I think the overall style gives an impression that what you want to do is show off some ideas you have. I don't think the style is appropriate.-- Andrew Lancaster ( talk) 07:43, 30 March 2009 (UTC)
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Language is the intelligent transformation of thought ( cognition) into discrete semantic and logical concepts ( words), and the patterned usage of these concepts ( grammar) to form expressions. [1]
When used in communication, expressions which contain valid semantics and logic are said to be comprehensible, and may convey meaning and facilitate understanding.
In humans, natural language uses speech, wherein words ( encapsulations of concept) are communicated audibly by the usage of phonemes — mouth-created sounds assembled to represent words. Combining spoken words in accord with rules of language creates spoken expressions, constituting speech. Writing is a graphical symbolic representation of speech, representing either discrete concepts or phonemes.
Communication through speech, along with historic geographical and cultural divergence, has generated a diverse number of differentiated "natural languages" —each being distinguished systems of expression that have particular rules and standards for pronunciation, word formation, and grammar, along with particular cultural traditions guiding expression. Words are assembled in accord with the semantic values and grammatical logic inherent to the particular natural lanugage (ie. lexemes, affixes, operators).
Language usage has led to the development of greater conceptualization and problem-solving skills, leading up to the ability to reason and the ability to form complex rational arguments. In Ancient Greek philosophical terminology, the same word, logos, was used as a term for both language or speech and reason, and the philosopher Thomas Hobbes used the English word "speech" so that it similarly could refer to reason, as will be discussed below. More commonly though, the English word "language", derived ultimately from lingua, Latin for tongue, typically refers only to expressions of reason which can be understood by other people, most obviously by speaking.
Strictly speaking, language is considered to be an exclusively human mode of communication. Although other animals make use of quite sophisticated communicative systems, sometimes casually referred to as animal language, none of these are known to make use of all of the properties that linguists use to define language.
CommentsI tried once to edit this per method advised and did something wrong. I do not see the point of the unnecessary complication. Here are some comments, by sentence.
...and so on. Really I think the overall style gives an impression that what you want to do is show off some ideas you have. I don't think the style is appropriate.-- Andrew Lancaster ( talk) 07:43, 30 March 2009 (UTC)
|