INTRODUCTION GÉNÉRALE - Introduction à La linguistique Générale - Pr. Abdeljalil EL IDRISSI

Name: INTRODUCTION GÉNÉRALE - Introduction à La linguistique Générale - Pr. Abdeljalil EL IDRISSI
Uploaded: 2020-06-27T15:04:44.000Z
Duration: 1 h 16 min 30 s

Introduction to Linguistics: Key Concepts and Challenges

Overview of Student Challenges in Linguistics

The speaker addresses the confusion students often experience when encountering linguistic materials, particularly in libraries or bookstores.

There is an overwhelming abundance of linguistic literature, making it difficult for beginners to select appropriate resources for their studies.

Students express frustration over the perceived complexity of linguistic theory, terminology, and concepts that can be daunting for newcomers.

A clear roadmap is essential for guiding students through their initial studies in linguistics, helping them navigate the vast field effectively.

Defining Linguistics and Its Disciplines

The speaker emphasizes the need to define linguistics clearly while acknowledging its diverse theoretical frameworks and disciplines.

A recommended resource is "Problèmes de Linguistique Générale" by Émile Benveniste, which teaches how to approach linguistic problems systematically.

The definition of language is likened to Medusa from mythology—having dual aspects of form and meaning. This analogy highlights the complexity inherent in studying language.

Core Areas of Linguistic Study

Key areas within linguistics include phonetics (study of articulation), phonology (form and meaning of phonemes), morphology (word formation), and syntax (structure combinations).

Semantics focuses on meaning but is described as a less clearly defined scientific discipline compared to others mentioned.

Expanding Beyond Traditional Linguistic Disciplines

Since the 1990s, numerous fields have emerged that intersect with linguistics, such as cognitive psychology and computational linguistics.

The discussion includes sociolinguistics and geographical linguistics but emphasizes a focus on core linguistic domains rather than extralinguistic factors.

Theoretical Frameworks in Linguistics

Various linguistic theories exist ranging from historical-comparative linguistics to structuralism, functionalism, distributional grammar, generative grammar, etc.

Generative grammar was pioneered by Noam Chomsky in the 1950s; it represents a significant shift away from structuralist approaches.

Complexity of Generative Grammar

Generative grammar has multiple versions developed over time; understanding these variations requires considerable effort due to their complexity.

The evolution of generative grammar includes various adaptations leading up to minimalist theories that have gained global recognition but remain challenging for learners.

Understanding Linguistic Theories and Historical Context

Theoretical Frameworks in Linguistics

The speaker addresses the misconception that there is an excess of theory in linguistics, arguing that critics confuse historical linguistics with contemporary linguistic research, mixing diachronic (historical) and synchronic (current state) perspectives.

From a diachronic viewpoint, linguistic research may appear cluttered with theories; however, understanding contemporary frameworks simplifies this complexity.

Historical Perspectives on Language Study

Prior to modern linguistics, studies were primarily diachronic, focusing on historical linguistics and comparative studies to trace language evolution.

Historically, language was not studied as an independent entity but used to address philosophical questions about thought and logic.

Transition to Structural Linguistics

With the advent of structural linguistics, language became a subject of study rather than just a tool for other inquiries. This shift began with Ferdinand de Saussure's "Course in General Linguistics."

Structural linguistics expanded its focus beyond oral traditions to include all forms of speech production.

Key Concepts in Structural Linguistics

Saussure introduced critical dichotomies such as langue (language system) and parole (speech act), emphasizing the importance of studying language at a specific time rather than its historical development.

The study of language involves examining it as a system that responds to internal dependencies rather than external references or objects in the world.

Internal Structure and Sign Systems

Structuralists define language as an autonomous system where each element's value is determined by its relationship within the system itself.

The focus is on internal structures rather than external meanings; linguistic signs are understood independently from their referents in reality.

Recommended Readings for Further Understanding

For students interested in deepening their understanding of these concepts, essential readings include Saussure's "Course in General Linguistics" and Émile Benveniste's "Problems in General Linguistics," which provide foundational insights into linguistic inquiry.

Linguistic Frameworks and Theories in Structuralism

Conceptual Framework of Psychomechanics

Discussion on the conceptual framework of psychomechanics, referencing Gustave Guillaume's language theory and its implications for understanding linguistic structures.

Emphasis on essential tools for students, particularly the importance of a linguistics dictionary, such as Dubois' edition from Larousse and Petit Robert.

Structural Linguistics and Its Evolution

Overview of structural linguistics leading to various conceptions like functionalism, introduced by Martine after his time in Colombia.

Mention of significant works in structural linguistics including Chevalier's contributions and foundational texts like "Initiation à la linguistique structurale."

Functionalism and Valence Theory

Introduction to functionalism as an approach focusing on the functions within a structure; reference to Lucien Tesnière’s valence theory outlined in "Éléments de syntaxe structurale."

Explanation of how valence theory redefines grammatical roles, shifting from traditional terms (subject/object) to actors/circumstances.

Innovation in Linguistic Theories

Discussion on the necessity for innovation within theoretical frameworks; new theories may either build upon or refute existing ones.

Introduction to generative grammar as a pivotal shift away from structuralism, emphasizing distributional analysis developed at the University of Pennsylvania.

Enunciation Theories Post-Structuralism

Examination of enunciation theories with initial contributions attributed to Gustave Guillaume's psycho-mechanical theory detailed in "Sciences du langage."

Reference to contemporary developments in enunciation by Georges Kleber and Gaston Flosse, marking advancements beyond traditional structuralist approaches.

Generative Grammar vs. Structural Linguistics

Clarification that generative grammar focuses not just on describing natural languages but also on understanding speakers' knowledge about their language.

Chomsky’s proposal regarding dual structures during speech: surface structure (observable phrases) versus deep structure (underlying syntactic components).

Understanding Generative Grammar

The Concept of Deep Structure in Generative Linguistics

The deep structure in generative linguistics emphasizes the creativity of the speaker rather than an idealized listener, as proposed by Chomsky. This interaction is crucial for understanding language comprehension.

Generative grammar is based on a set of syntactic rules, which include rewriting rules that dictate how elements can be transformed within sentences.

Lexical rules assign traits to each phrase constituent; nouns receive lexical traits indicating their nature (e.g., human, abstract), while verbs have categorization traits that often require objects.

Verbs necessitate an object for proper categorization, unlike nouns. For example, "to eat" requires an object like "an apple," demonstrating the verb's dependency on its direct object.

Transformations and Surface Structure

Elements from deep structure undergo transformations to reach surface structure (SS), which represents how sentences are acoustically perceived and semantically interpreted.

The distinction between structuralist theory and generative linguistics lies in the latter's two-tiered approach: deep structure and surface structure, with transformations acting as intermediaries.

Challenges in Understanding Transformations

Transformations are complex within generative grammar. Chomsky’s framework highlights intuitive language acquisition versus traditional learning methods, emphasizing innate linguistic capabilities.

Various transformational grammars exist; notable works include Joseph M2's "Radical Transformations" and Jean-Claude Milner's contributions to introducing generative grammar in France.

Evolution of Syntax Theory

Since the 1950s, syntax theory has evolved significantly. Initial works laid foundational concepts but faced challenges leading to further developments by Chomsky in the 1980s.

Chomsky streamlined transformations down to two key types: movement theory and connector theory, simplifying complex sentence structures for better student comprehension.

Ambiguity in Language Interpretation

Ambiguous phrases pose challenges; for instance, “Max looks at flowers from the window” can imply different scenarios depending on interpretation—highlighting the necessity of understanding underlying deep structures for clarity.

Understanding the Importance of Corpus in Linguistics

The Role of Corpus in Linguistic Analysis

The concept of "corpus" is crucial in structural linguistics, as highlighted by Michel Zakaria's work on generative grammar and transformation rules.

Generative grammar does not represent the reality of a language; it serves as a sample rather than a comprehensive representation of all phrases.

Distinction Between Generative Grammar and Structural Grammar

Generative grammar is described as a foundational theory that emphasizes form over meaning, contrasting with structural grammar which blends both aspects.

Phrasal structures have forms similar to algorithms but do not always provide semantic interpretations, leading to potential misrepresentations in grammatical definitions.

Syntax and Meaning Relationship

The definition of subjects often ties back to verbs, raising questions about action representation within sentences.

Early generative grammar focused primarily on syntax, sidelining semantics; it posits that form generates meaning rather than vice versa.

Evolution of Generative Grammar

In the 1980s, Chomsky introduced lexical rules alongside syntax, expanding the theoretical framework beyond mere structure.

This shift towards incorporating semantics into generative grammar reflects an evolving understanding within linguistic studies.

Challenges in Summarizing Linguistic Studies

Summarizing extensive linguistic research within limited time frames poses significant challenges due to its vastness and complexity.

A clear distinction between different theoretical frameworks is essential for students' mastery of linguistic studies, particularly between structural linguistics and generative grammar.