英语语言学概论（自考）.doc

1. What are the difference between general linguistics and descriptive linguistics and what sis the relationship between them? ()
A: Differences between general and descriptive linguistics:
(1) They have different goals:
General linguistics deals with language; descriptive linguistics study one particular language;
(2) They have different aims:
General linguistics aims at developing a theory that describes the rules of human language in general;
Descriptive linguistics attempts to establish a model that describes the rules of this particular language.
Relationships between general and descriptive linguistics:
General and descriptive linguistics depend on each other:
(1) General linguistics provides descriptive linguistics with a general framework in which a particular language can be analyzed and described;
(2) The resulting descriptions of particular languages supply empirical evidence which may confirm or refute the models put forward by general linguists.
2. What is the nature of language? (P7)
Language is a system of arbitrary vocal symbols, which is creative, double-structured and changeable.
3. What is the difference between langue and parole? (P2/P24)
a. Langue is the system of language. Parole is the speakers’ speech.
b. Langue refers to the abstract system of a language, while parole refers to the concrete act of speaking in a definite time, place and situation.
c. Langue underlies parole and parole, in turn, is a manifestation of langue.
4. What is the difference petence and performance? (P2)
a. Competence is the speaker-hearer’s knowledge of his language.
b. Performance is the actual use of language in concrete situations.
c. Competence is abstract, while performance is concrete.
5. Why do linguists maintain that language is primarily speech? (P4)
Linguists maintain that language is primarily speech, and not the written form. This view may be justified by the following reasons.
a. Biologically speaking, children begin to learn t