What is Linguistics?
The study of language and its structure.
The Wonders of Wordplay: Unpacking Linguistics
Linguistics is the scholarly study of language, covering a variety of areas such as phonetics, morphology, syntax, and semantics. Through this multi-dimensional lens, linguists analyze the sounds, structures, and meanings of language, investigating how they vary across cultures and change over time. With its roots in the classical discourse of Plato and Aristotle, linguistics has developed into a diverse and exciting field that allows us to better understand the nature of communication and the intricacies of the English language.
From Shakespeare to Toni Morrison, literature offers rich examples of the study of linguistics in action.
Woolf's novel is renowned for its innovative use of language and complex shifting perspectives. One particularly noteworthy example is the repetition of the phrase 'Yes, of course' throughout the text, which subtly highlights the characters' desire for connection and understanding. By analyzing Woolf's use of language in this way, we can see how linguistics can reveal deeper meaning and themes within a text.
Adichie's collection of short stories explores themes of identity, culture, and displacement, often through the lens of dialect and language. In 'The American Embassy,' the protagonist struggles to communicate with American embassy officials in a language that is not her own, highlighting the power dynamics inherent in language and the difficulties faced by those who are not fluent in 'standard' English. Adichie's work demonstrates the importance of linguistics in understanding the complexities of language within society.