Concept of Language | B.Ed. | Language Across the Curriculum | Inculcate Learning | By Ravina

Summary

The video discusses the concept of language, focusing on its various forms and categories. It covers universal language, which is a hypothetical or historical idea, and differentiates between standard languages (pluricentric vs. monocentric). The video also delves into sister languages, vernacular language, and the importance of mother tongues. It touches on international languages, including the role of English as a global medium, and explores the idea of interlanguage and constructed languages, which are artificially created. The content highlights how these language concepts are integral in understanding language acquisition and communication at various levels.

Takeaways

• 😀 The concept of language is broad and includes its meaning, nature, and characteristics.
• 😀 Universal language refers to a hypothetical or historical language that was once believed to be known by everyone, though it's not practically possible.
• 😀 A standard language can be either pluricentric (having variations) or monocentric (remaining consistent), such as British English versus American English.
• 😀 Official languages, such as Hindi and English in India, are given special legal status and cannot be changed by individuals.
• 😀 Sister languages (or sibling languages) share a common ancestor and are closely related, like Indo-Aryan languages.
• 😀 Vernacular language is the informal, everyday language spoken within a community, often referred to as the mother tongue.
• 😀 International verbal languages, like English, are essential for communication at a global level.
• 😀 International auxiliary languages serve as secondary languages for global communication, helping speakers from different language backgrounds to connect.
• 😀 Interlanguage occurs when a language learner mixes features of two languages while they are still acquiring proficiency in the second language.
• 😀 Constructed languages are those created by humans with designed phonology, vocabulary, and grammar, often referred to as artificial or invented languages.

Q & A

What is meant by 'universal language' in the transcript?

A universal language is a hypothetical language that is known to all people across the world. It is believed to have existed historically, but in practice, it is not possible for one language to be known by all people.

Why is 'universal language' also referred to as a 'historical language'?

It is called a historical language because, according to mythology, there was a time when all people knew the same language. This belief links the concept of universal language to ancient history.

What is the difference between 'pluricentric' and 'monocentric' standard languages?

'Pluricentric' languages, like English, have multiple standards or variations depending on the region (e.g., British English, American English). 'Monocentric' languages, like Japanese, have a single, standardized form.

Can you give an example of a 'standard language' with a legal status?

In India, the official languages according to the constitution are Hindi and English, which are used in legal documents and have a special legal status.

What are 'sister languages' and how are they related?

Sister languages, or sibling languages, are languages that share a common ancestor. For example, languages from the Indo-Aryan family are considered sister languages because they evolved from the same root language.

How does a 'vernacular language' differ from other types of languages?

A vernacular language is the informal language spoken in everyday situations, typically within families or communities. It is often learned naturally and can be considered a person's 'mother tongue.'

What is the role of 'international verbal language'?

An international verbal language is used for communication across different countries. For instance, English is commonly used as an international language for people from different linguistic backgrounds to understand each other.

What does 'L2' represent in the context of languages?

L2 refers to a second language, which is typically learned for international communication. The first language is denoted as L1, while L2 is the additional language acquired.

What is 'interlanguage' and how does it develop?

Interlanguage is a mix of two languages' features created when a person is learning a second language (L2). It happens when the learner hasn't fully mastered the second language, leading to a blend of L1 and L2 elements.

What does 'constructed language' mean, and can you give an example?

A constructed language is a language intentionally created by humans for specific purposes, such as Esperanto. It is designed with its own grammar, vocabulary, and phonology, separate from naturally occurring languages.