1.4: Fundamental Properties of Language

This unit addresses some of the common myths that people believe about languages, and responds to these misconceptions with fundamental truths about human language:

• All languages have a grammar.
• All languages & grammars are equally valid, in linguistic terms.
• All languages have some universal properties in common.
• Every language changes over time.
• Most of our knowledge of the mental grammar of our language is unconscious.

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Check Yourself

1. It’s important to study Latin because Latin is more logical than other languages.

• True.
• False.

2. Spending too much time texting will ruin your ability to write proper English.

• True.
• False.

3. The dictionary gives the only correct meaning and pronunciation for words.

• True.
• False.

Answers