“And among His Signs is the
creation of the heavens and the earth,
and the variations in your languages
and your colours : verily in that are Signs
for those who know.” (Quran, Ar-Room, V 22)
Studying language, I believe, is certainly one amongst the most fascinating and exciting disciplines one could ever study. Linguistics, the science of language, is a means of probing into the most intriguing aspects of human knowledge. Communicating via language is perhaps the most single characteristic that distinguishes human beings from other animal species, hence, I think, it is imperative to know about it for every rational being. Its importance could better be viewed from the fact that it is ‘language’ which is the primary medium for studying any discipline of knowledge (i.e) Science, Humanities, Social Sciences etc. Moreover the power language exerts over us could also be felt from the fact that whatever we think, we think in a language. Thus language is the basis of all knowledge and language and thought are complementary and it would not be inappropriate to quote Samuel Johnson here who says, “Language is the dress of thought”.
Linguistics as a subject provides us with a grand opportunity to study about the basis of all human knowledge (i.e) language. Though very obscure is the origin of language, yet Linguistics comes up with a multiplicity of enthralling theories which, to a great extent, try to illuminate the dark mystery of its origin. Studying its origin is not its sole subject matter but it studies language in general (i.e) its origin, development and changes over time (Dichronically and Synchronically), its variations, relationship with other disciplines, its constituent parts viz Phones, Morphs, Syntax, Semantics etc.
The Essay on Language Study Plan
In the world of globalization, communication has played an important role in human life. English for example has become an international language for people to communicate with each other from different country. That is the reason that I choose English as my second language. As a child, my father persuaded me to study English because he strongly believe that studying another language in young age ...
Being a Literature student, I think, it is imperative to study the language of the literature in which it is written. Linguistics not only broadens ones vision but also makes one creative and insightful by providing him with the opportunity to view the subject matter from multiple perspectives.
“The limits of my language”, says Ludwig Wittgenstein, “are the limits of my world.”
I hereby remember the old adage “Knowledge is power”, certainly true it is but let’s try to replace the word ‘knowledge’ with’ language’ and see whether we could justify the claim. Think of any important goal you have in your life and think what role could language play in making you a standout. After all without language heartfelt beliefs, hard work, innovative ideas and creative talent have no effect. It doesn’t matter where ones interest lie. In the worlds of politics, business, art or social service, language is crucial hence the importance of Linguistics. Movers and shapers put language to work and it provides them with a liberating power.
Furthermore to study the language of a given community (linguistics) makes one culturally, socially and theologically aware about that community. It seems reasonable to expect that exposure to another culture through the medium of language could lead to various changes in understanding the values, beliefs, attitudes and hence constitute to spiritual, ethical and cultural development as well. Being a Literature student, Linguistics will help a great deal in appreciating the beauty of the language in which it is written. It will also help in the development of a wide range of transferable skills, including interpersonal skills and personal attributes; communication, presentation, interaction, the ability to work creatively, effectively and flexibly and of course in the development of intercultural competence.
The Essay on University of Wellington School of Linguistics and Applied Languages Studies
I shall attempt to address the following question, “Should Singlish be accepted and used or be abandoned? ” I believe we need to use both Singlish and Standard English in order to be effective life-long communicators. We shall look into this argument in the context of education, the sociolinguistic understanding of diglossia and code-switching, and the role of teachers in guiding students in the ...
Finally I should say that there are immense reasons for one to study Linguistics. In addition I must say that its importance could better be felt rather than described.
