Language proficiency refers to mastering the grammar of a language to generate an unlimited amount of statements, while communicative competence determines what is socially appropriate speech. Linguist Noam Chomsky developed the concept of language proficiency as part of his theory of universal grammar, which explains language as a natural ability. Language performance and communicative competence […]
Spoken language uses sounds to communicate through a shared vocabulary and grammar. Its origins are unclear, but humans developed the anatomy of speech about 100,000 years ago. Written language uses visual symbols, while sign language uses body movement. Gesture-based languages may have predated spoken language. Spoken language is a form of communication in which people […]
Body language, including stance, gestures, and facial expressions, makes up 70% of communication. It varies by culture, so it’s important to understand regional differences. Eye contact, hand gestures, and posture can convey confidence or disinterest. Nonverbal communication can be learned and improved. Body language is part of non-verbal language. It includes things like stance, gestures, […]
Linguists take a disinterested approach to emojis as they are more similar to gestures than written language and not subject to grammar rules. Emojis can be used in any way the writer sees fit, and are creating a richer form of online communication. The father of emojis is Japanese designer Shigetaka Kurita, and the most […]
The language module is a hypothetical area of the brain that governs the development of complex language systems. Its existence and location have not been proven, but it is believed to be located in the Sylvian fissure between Broca’s and Wernicke’s areas. Damage to these areas can cause aphasia. The existence of a language module […]
Despite being the official language of China, Mandarin is not universally spoken, with around 30% of the population not understanding it. The government has promoted it as a unifying force, but many regions and ethnic groups still support their native languages. However, progress has been made, with 70% of the population speaking Mandarin in 2013, […]
Writing for the Web requires adapting traditional journalistic writing styles to cater to a global audience interested in quick, informative content. Effective web content includes using lists and tables, consistent voice and person, appropriate formatting, and avoiding slang or regional language. Numbers should be written out in words for 1-9, while higher numbers can be […]
The Smithsonian commissioned linguist Marc Okrand, who invented the Klingon language for Star Trek, to record a one-hour Klingon audio tour for the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C. The tour is available on the museum’s Go app Flight and features the harsh, guttural tones of the language. Before Okrand, Klingon characters spoke […]
Homophones sound alike, while homographs are spelt alike. Both can be confusing for language learners due to spelling and context issues. Homophones can also lead to confusion with multiple pronoun forms. These issues are common in language education. The difference between homophones and homographic words is that homophones are two or more words that sound […]
Esophageal speech uses gas released through the esophagus to create speech sounds. It is used by those who have had a laryngectomy. The speech is intelligible but requires more effort and is slower than traditional speech. Many people start with esophageal speech and move towards using a prosthetic implant. Esophageal speech is a type of […]
Second language acquisition can be achieved through classroom lessons, audio aids, language software, or immersion. Children learn best through immersion, while adults often choose formal education or immersion learning. People learn a second language for personal or business reasons, such as communicating with relatives or targeting ethnic markets. Second language acquisition refers to the ability […]
Language coordinators have varying roles depending on the setting they work in. They can oversee language classes, help non-English speaking populations, teach workers a host culture’s language, act as liaisons in hospitals, and oversee translation projects. The role of a language coordinator varies widely depending on the setting in which he or she is working. […]
Learning a foreign language requires time and effort. Tips include practicing reading, writing, listening, and speaking, taking courses, traveling, and interacting with native speakers. Reading and writing help with grammar, vocabulary, and spelling. Listening to native speakers is best for pronunciation. Travel exposes learners to native speakers and culture. Language courses and tapes can also […]
Interactive language arts resources, such as websites, apps, and games, can help people learn and understand language. They include grammar and spelling checkers, writing and poetry tools, language games, and interactive storybooks that bring stories to life. There are many different types of interactive language arts resources available on the Internet and through other mediums, […]
North Sentinel Island, located in the Bay of Bengal, is home to the unwelcoming and isolated Sentinelese people, who speak a unique language and live a hunter-gatherer lifestyle. Visitors are prohibited from coming within 3 nautical miles of the island, and a recent attempt at conversion ended in the death of a missionary. Even the […]
Foreign language requirements are common in schools and workplaces, with varying levels of proficiency needed. Some countries require children to learn multiple languages, and colleges may require coursework. Employers may require language skills for certain positions or prefer candidates with proficiency. Foreign language requirements often exist in both schools and workplaces. Schools may require students […]
In 2010, 22% of US children spoke a language other than English at home, with Spanish and Chinese being the most common. Bilingualism is believed to improve cognitive functioning and prevent dementia. California had the highest percentage of bilingual/multilingual households, while West Virginia had the lowest. The US Census Bureau found 134 American tribal languages […]
A synthetic language has many morphemes per word, while an isolating language has few. English is towards the isolating end, while Hungarian and Finnish are highly synthetic. Morpheme ratios can be affected by pluralization, conjugation, and compound words. Polysynthetic languages like Mohawk can express entire sentences in one word. A synthetic language is not the […]
The Cherokee language is the only Southern Iroquoian language still spoken in the US. Sequoyah invented the Cherokee written language syllabary in the early 19th century. The language is polysynthetic and has two surviving dialects. Efforts are being made to preserve the language. The Cherokee language is the only Southern Iroquoian language still spoken in […]
Speech science studies anatomy, neurology, and acoustics to improve speech for disabled speakers and understand how the brain processes speech. Speech therapists help those with nerve damage or genetic inheritance that affects speech. Audiology studies how the brain processes speech. Speech scientists also study the acoustics of speech, including the length and vibrational strength of […]
