What is linguistics? How do linguists study language?

This brief introduction to linguistics asks simple questions about language and languages, then follows the various branches of linguistics that have arisen in attempt to answer those questions. Take this presentation as a rapid tour through modern linguistics or as a thoughtful inquiry into what language is and how we could understand it. For specific lessons that introduce many of these topics – including phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax, historical linguistics and logic – head to: www.nativlang.com/linguistics/
Video Rating: 5 / 5

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19 Responses to What is linguistics? How do linguists study language?

  1. NativLang says:

    This is true, and the most important work must be done in reverse (to native language as target).

  2. christopheclugston says:

    While sociolinguistcs might be the surface rep in many ideas, like David Cystal–what I am doing is far more text analysis in the Net linguistics–this is not surface level only. I was looking at in the sociolinguistics code mixing–as opposed to code switching. As far as Translation: how can you go form your L 1 to a L@in World Languages: European Guilds won’t allow that.

  3. NativLang says:

    Thanks for sharing! Any notable findings on multilinguals? Did sociolinguistics lead you to your focus on ‘e-discourse’, or perhaps other experience in computing?

  4. NativLang says:

    Mostly Eng -> Fr, Spa professional business translations (incl. ads & documents). From what I’ve learned, I favor inferential/contextual theories.

  5. christopheclugston says:

    Field Linguistics minority languages. However, my research has been in sociolinguistics (coordinate bilinguals) and now I’m concerned with ‘Netlinguistics’ in the Posteguillo sense.

  6. christopheclugston says:

    That’s quite intersting. What is your Source Language and your Receptor Language(s)? Are you staying with one genre, only? And are you Relevance THeory or Meaning Based?

  7. NativLang says:

    What about your background?

  8. NativLang says:

    Haha! Translation and producing learning materials occupy my days. I’m strongest in comparative Romance linguistics, but with a tail of interests I stay abreast of. My broader understanding of linguistics is largely self-motivated, as is my healthy respect for and familiarity with good research.

  9. christopheclugston says:

    WHich leads me to broach an interest concerning ask what area of linguistics you are focused on? And which languages? (The nexus of Kendo and sociolinguistics? LOL)

  10. NativLang says:

    Thanks for the feedback!

  11. christopheclugston says:

    It might help some people to actually classify the domain of Field Linguistics as another major approach: descriptive, phonology sketches, Grammar sketches, lexicography creating scripts,, text analysis etc.

  12. christopheclugston says:

    How would he, he’s an anti intellectual. He’s seriously in denial about the field: doesn’t now it is indeed a HARD SCIENCE.

  13. NativLang says:

    Thanks for the compliment!

  14. Translations4Wisdom says:

    Excellent video! thank you!

  15. NativLang says:

    Indeed, I’ll second that.

  16. JWadGallery says:

    nothing more fulfilling than, teaching, learning, and giving 

  17. johnnycarmine says:

    A great video to introduce the concept of modern linguistics to the mainstream. This is important as many people do not know what disciplines and subdisciplines linguistics is comprised of. Unfortunately some people take advantage of this lack of knowledge, yes Steven Kuafmann mI’m talking about you….. :p

  18. NativLang says:

    Thanks for watching!

  19. Sea Yotgit says:

    thank you.

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