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Nigeria's free digital learning hub. Videos, lecture notes, practice questions and leaderboards aligned with CCMAS, NBTE, NCCE, WAEC, NECO, IJMB and JAMB curricula.
Linguistics · 100 Level
This is the complete lecture note for LIN 104 Survey of Applied Linguistics, prepared for Linguistics students at 100 Level. You can read it online below, open it in the full viewer, or download the PDF for offline study. It pairs with the course's video lectures, so you can read and watch together.
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS Course code: LIN 104 Course title: Survey of Applied Linguistics Course credit load: 2 Units Series 1: Rudiments of Language and Communication Series 2: Corpus Linguistics, Language Testing, and Policy Series 3: Lexicography, Translation, and Interpretation Series 4: Forensic Linguistics and Applied Domains Series 5: Language, Media, and Animation Proposed Outline for Series 1 Part 1.1: Nature of Language • Sub-Part 1.1.1: Language as a living entity • Sub-Part 1.1.2: Functions of language in society Part 1.2: Elements of Communication • Sub-Part 1.2.1: Components of communication (sender, message, channel, receiver, feedback) • Sub-Part 1.2.2: Barriers to effective communication Part 1.3: Language and Communication in Applied Contexts • Sub-Part 1.3.1: Role of language in education and everyday life • Sub-Part 1.3.2: Language as a tool for social interaction and cultural identity Introduction Language is central to human existence, shaping how we think, interact, and build societies. Communication, on the other hand, is the process through which ideas, emotions, and information are shared. Together, language and communication form the foundation of applied linguistics, making this Series an essential starting point for your study. By exploring the rudiments of language and communication, you will gain insight into how language functions as a living entity and how communication enables meaningful interaction in everyday life. The aim of this Series is to introduce you to the fundamental concepts of language and communication, equipping you with the knowledge to explain their nature, functions, and relevance in applied contexts.
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS We shall commence this Series by examining the nature of language, focusing on its role as a living entity and its functions in society. Next, we will move on to the elements of communication, where we will study its components and the barriers that can hinder effectiveness. Finally, we will wrap up by considering language and communication in applied contexts, highlighting their role in education, social interaction, and cultural identity. This progression will provide you with a strong foundation for understanding applied linguistics and prepare you for the more specialised topics in later Series. Series Learning Outcomes Upon completing this Series, you should be able to: • SLO 1.1 define language as a living entity and explain its dynamic nature, • SLO 1.2 describe the main functions of language in society, • SLO 1.3 identify and explain the key components of communication, • SLO 1.4 analyse common barriers to effective communication, • SLO 1.5 explain the role of language in education and everyday life, and • SLO 1.6 evaluate how language serves as a tool for social interaction and cultural identity. 1.1 Nature of Language 1.1.1 Language as a living entity Language is a system of communication made up of sounds, words, and structures that people use to express ideas, emotions, and information. It is often described as a living entity because it evolves over time, adapting to the needs of its users. New words are created, old ones fall out of use, and meanings shift depending on social and cultural contexts. For example, words like “selfie” or “emoji” did not exist a few decades ago but are now part of everyday vocabulary. Fill in the blank: A system of communication made up of sounds, words, and structures is called ______.
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS Figure 1.1: Language as a living entity 1.1.2 Functions of language in society Language performs several functions in society, including communication, identity formation, social interaction, and knowledge transmission. It allows individuals to share information, express emotions, and build relationships. Language also serves as a marker of cultural identity, distinguishing one community from another. In addition, it is the medium through which knowledge is passed from one generation to the next, ensuring continuity and progress. Fill in the blank: The role of language in distinguishing one community from another is linked to cultural ______. Function Social Impact Example Phatic Maintains social rapport Saying "How are you?" to a neighbor. Expressive Conveys state of mind Using poetry or slang to show emotion. Referential Shares factual knowledge A teacher explaining a scientific theory. Performative Changes social status A judge saying, "I sentence you..." Box 1.1: Functions of language in society Pilot questions 1.1 1. What term refers to a system of communication made up of sounds, words, and structures? 2. Why is language described as a living entity? 3. Provide one example of a word that has recently entered everyday vocabulary.
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS 4. List two functions of language in society. 5. How does language serve as a marker of cultural identity? 1.2 Elements of Communication 1.2.1 Components of communication Communication is the process of exchanging information, ideas, or feelings between individuals or groups. It involves several components, each playing a vital role in ensuring that the message is delivered and understood. These components include the sender (the originator of the message), the message (the information being conveyed), the channel (the medium through which the message is transmitted, such as speech, writing, or digital platforms), the receiver (the person or group who interprets the message), and feedback (the response that indicates whether the message has been understood). Fill in the blank: The person who originates the message in communication is called the ______. Figure 1.2: Components of communication 1.2.2 Barriers to effective communication Even when all components are present, communication can be hindered by barriers. These are obstacles that prevent the message from being accurately received or understood. Common barriers include noise (any distraction that interferes with the message), language differences (when participants do not share the same language or vocabulary), cultural differences (variations in norms and values that affect interpretation), and psychological barriers (such as stress or prejudice). Recognising these barriers is the first step towards improving communication effectiveness. Fill in the blank: Any distraction that interferes with the message in communication is referred to as ______.
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS Barrier Type Description Solution Physical Environmental interference Choose a quiet, neutral location for important talks. Semantic Meaning of words/symbols Use plain language and avoid unexplained technical terms. Interpersonal Lack of trust or rapport Practice active listening and show empathy. Perceptual Differing points of view Acknowledge your own biases and seek clarification. Box 1.2: Common barriers to effective communication Pilot questions 1.2 1. What term refers to the process of exchanging information, ideas, or feelings between individuals or groups? 2. Name the five main components of communication. 3. Which component of communication refers to the medium through which the message is transmitted? 4. List two common barriers to effective communication. 5. What term describes any distraction that interferes with the message in communication? 1.3 Language and Communication in Applied Contexts 1.3.1 Role of language in education and everyday life Education relies heavily on language as the medium through which knowledge is transmitted. Teachers use language to explain concepts, ask questions, and assess learners, while students depend on it to express understanding and engage in discussions. Beyond the classroom, language plays a vital role in everyday life, enabling people to share experiences, negotiate meaning, and build relationships. Without language, both formal learning and informal interaction would be severely limited. Fill in the blank: The medium through which knowledge is transmitted in education is ______.
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS Plate 1.1: Role of language in education 1.3.2 Language as a tool for social interaction and cultural identity Language is not only a means of communication but also a tool for social interaction. It allows individuals to participate in conversations, express emotions, and maintain social bonds. At the same time, language serves as a marker of cultural identity, reflecting traditions, values, and heritage. For example, indigenous languages preserve cultural practices and connect communities to their history. When languages are lost, cultural identity is often weakened, which shows the importance of preserving linguistic diversity. Fill in the blank: When languages are lost, cultural ______ is often weakened. Feature Social Impact Cultural Value Dialect Signals regional belonging Preserves local identity Idioms Indicates shared understanding Transmits shared humor/wisdom Honorifics Structures social relationships Reinforces cultural hierarchy Storytelling Connects communities Passes down history Box 1.3: Language as a tool for social interaction and cultural identity Pilot questions 1.3 1. What is the medium through which knowledge is transmitted in education? 2. How does language support everyday life outside the classroom?
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS 3. In what ways does language function as a tool for social interaction? 4. Why is language considered a marker of cultural identity? 5. What happens to cultural identity when languages are lost? Series Summary This Series has introduced you to the rudiments of language and communication, laying the foundation for
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