Notes on Language, Expression, and Structure

Notes on Language and Its Expression

• Definition of Language
  "Language is the expression of ideas by means of speech-sounds combined into words."

  • Thoughts: This highlights that language is fundamentally a tool for conveying thoughts and ideas, emphasizing its role as a communicative medium.
  • Additional Information: Language can be expressed verbally (spoken) or non-verbally (written, gestures).

• Combining Words into Sentences
  "Words are combined into sentences, this combination answering to that of ideas into thoughts."

  • Thoughts: This point underscores the complexity of language—the structure of sentences reflects the organization of ideas.
  • Additional Information: The way words are structured influences meaning; syntax and grammar are crucial for effective communication.

• Attribution
  The quote is attributed to Henry Sweet.

  • Thoughts: Sweet was a prominent linguist, known for his work on phonetics and language education.
  • Additional Information: Understanding the contributions of linguists like Sweet can deepen the comprehension of language development and its theories.

Reference:

• Henry Sweet | British linguist - Britannica

• Language | Definition, Types, Characteristics, Development, & Facts

• Henry Sweet's Idea of Language Study in the Early Middle Ages - jstor