Abstract
In this chapter, we investigate what constitutes human language and what sets it apart from other kinds of animal communication. We introduce the structural components of language and the branches of linguistics that deal with each of them. We discuss the concept of grammar and its components, and we look at diferent approaches to grammar. We also describe how approaches to the study of grammar have evolved over time to explain the structural differences and commonalities of human languages and to include the social dimension of language.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Exploring Language in Global Contexts |
| Editors | Jeffrey Gil, Sky Marsen |
| Place of Publication | London |
| Publisher | Routledge, Taylor & Francis |
| Chapter | 3 |
| Pages | 29-42 |
| Number of pages | 14 |
| ISBN (Electronic) | 9781003240099 |
| ISBN (Print) | 9781032145990 , 9781032146003 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 2022 |
Keywords
- human language
- linguistics
- Grammar
- animal communication
- language