Materi Kuliah Bahasa Indonesia Pertemuan ke-1 | Hakikat Bahasa

Summary

In this first session of an Indonesian language lecture, the speaker introduces the concept of language and its key characteristics. The definition of language is explained as a system of communication using arbitrary vocal symbols, which may also include gestures. The lecture covers several properties of language, including its systematic nature, symbolic form, arbitrariness, meaningfulness, and uniqueness. The speaker also discusses the universality of language, its productivity, variation, and the human-specific nature of language. Overall, the lecture emphasizes language's importance in communication and its dynamic and evolving characteristics.

Takeaways

• 😀 Language is a communication system that uses arbitrary symbols, such as vocal sounds, to convey meaning.
• 😀 Language involves the use of vocal sounds (vowels and consonants) as its primary medium of communication.
• 😀 Non-verbal communication, such as body movements and gestures, can also be a form of language, often referred to as sign language.
• 😀 Language is a system that is organized and structured to create meaningful communication; random arrangements of letters or sounds do not convey meaning.
• 😀 Language is represented by symbols, which can include signs, signals, gestures, and other forms of communication.
• 😀 Language consists of sounds that are produced by human speech organs, and not all sounds produced by humans are considered language (e.g., coughing).
• 😀 Language is arbitrary, meaning there is no inherent relationship between a word and its meaning, and this relationship can change over time.
• 😀 Every language has meaning and must convey information; a sequence of words or sounds without meaning is not considered language.
• 😀 Each language is unique, with its own characteristics in terms of sound systems, word formation, and sentence structure.
• 😀 Language is universal, sharing common elements such as vowels and consonants across all languages in the world.
• 😀 Language is productive, meaning it can create an unlimited number of new combinations and expressions, even with a limited set of linguistic elements.

Q & A

What is the definition of language according to the script?

Language is defined as a system of communication that uses arbitrary symbols, typically vocal sounds, which can be reinforced with physical gestures. It is a tool for communication, whether spoken, written, or gestured.

What does 'arbitrary' mean in the context of language?

'Arbitrary' means that the connection between the sound of a word and its meaning is not fixed or inherent. It is based on convention and can change over time.

How is language a system?

Language is a system because it has an organized structure, where the arrangement of symbols or sounds follows specific rules. For instance, 'saya' (meaning 'I') is a valid word due to its correct structure, while 'djklmnjub' has no meaning because its structure is not organized.

What are some examples of symbolic representation in language?

An example of symbolic representation in language is sign language, where specific gestures or movements are used as symbols to convey meaning. These symbols are understood by users of the language but may not be universally recognized.

Why is sound important in language?

Sound is important because language is primarily composed of sounds. These sounds are produced by human speech organs and convey meaning when arranged correctly. Not all sounds, like coughing or sneezing, are considered language unless they carry communicative meaning.

What does it mean that language is 'productive'?

Language is 'productive' because, even though there is a finite set of sounds and words, new meanings and expressions can be created by rearranging these elements. For example, words like 'ikat,' 'kiat,' and 'kait' are formed by changing the order of sounds but still hold meaning.

How does language evolve over time?

Language evolves over time because its elements, such as words and pronunciations, can change based on cultural shifts, technology, or social trends. For example, slang terms like 'OTW' (on the way) can emerge and become common in certain communities, even though they may not be formal language.

What does the term 'universal' mean in relation to language?

In the context of language, 'universal' refers to common features shared by all languages, such as the use of vowels and consonants. Despite the diversity of languages, these basic linguistic elements are present in nearly every language.

Can animals be considered to use language, according to the script?

No, animals do not use language in the human sense. While animals like parrots or monkeys can mimic sounds, they do not create meaningful communication through language. Human language involves complex systems of meaning, which animals do not possess.

What is meant by the phrase 'language is human-specific'?

The phrase 'language is human-specific' means that language, as a complex system of communication, is unique to humans. While animals can communicate through sounds or gestures, they do not use language with the same depth or structure as humans do.