AN101 Chapter Notes - Chapter 4: Michael Silverstein, Noam Chomsky, Heteroglossia
Document Summary
Language: the system of arbitrary vocal symbols we use to encode our experiences of the world. Anthropological interest in language: practical: fieldwork research requires oral communication, language involves grammatical and conceptual intricacies that anthropologists can analyze to gain insight into a culture. Language and culture closely related everywhere: all people use language to encode their experiences, to structure their understanding of the world and of themselves, and to communicate and engage with one another. Linguistic competence: coined by linguist noam chomsky to refer to the mastery of adult grammar. Communicative competence: coined by anthropological linguist dell hymes to refer to the mastery of adult rules for socially and culturally appropriate speech. Grammar: a set of rules that aims to describe the patterns of linguistic usage observed by members of a particular speech community. Syntax: the study of sentence structure, the ordering of words (morphemes) matter: breaking down sentences to get the full meaning and to decipher what is being said.
