language

language

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Pronunciation

Language

IPA Phonetic Spelling: /ˈlæŋ.ɡwɪdʒ/

• Syllable 1: /læŋ/

• /l/ as in "light" (voiced alveolar lateral approximant)

• /æ/ as in "cat" (short low front unrounded vowel)

• /ŋ/ as in "sing" (voiced velar nasal)

• Syllable 2: /ɡwɪdʒ/

• /ɡ/ as in "go" (voiced velar stop)

• /w/ as in "we" (voiced labial-velar approximant)

• /ɪ/ as in "sit" (short high front unrounded vowel)

• /dʒ/ as in "judge" (voiced palato-alveolar affricate)

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Word Form Variations

Noun:

• Singular: language

• Plural: languages

Adjective (derived from noun):

• linguistic (relating to language)

• lingual (relating to the tongue or language)

Adverb (derived from noun/adjective):

• linguistically

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Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms

Noun

1. The system of communication used by a particular community or country, consisting of spoken or written words, or non-verbal gestures. This system allows humans to express thoughts, feelings, and intentions.

• Synonyms: tongue, dialect, speech, idiom, vernacular

• Antonyms: silence, gibberish (meaningless sounds), non-communication

2. The faculty of speech and communication by means of spoken or written words; the general capacity for human communication.

• Synonyms: speech, communication, discourse, articulation, expression

• Antonyms: muteness, inarticulacy, aphasia (medical term for language impairment)

3. A system of symbols and rules used to communicate information, especially in computing or formal logic.

• Synonyms: code, syntax, grammar (in a programming context), notation

• Antonyms: (No direct antonyms; refers to a specific type of structured communication)

4. (Figurative) Any non-verbal means of communication or expression, such as body movements, art, or natural phenomena, interpreted as conveying meaning.

• Synonyms: expression, body language, gesture, idiom (as in "the language of flowers")

• Antonyms: ambiguity, obscurity, randomness

5. (Informal) Profane or offensive speech.

• Synonyms: profanity, swearing, expletives, obscenities, bad language

• Antonyms: polite speech, decorum, civility

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Examples of Use

Books:

• "The novel masterfully uses evocative language to describe the desolate landscape." (From a literary novel review or analysis, generic example)

• "Learning a new language can open doors to understanding different cultures and perspectives." (From a non-fiction educational book or travel guide, generic example)

• "The book presents a comparative study of the grammatical structures in various African languages." (From an academic linguistics textbook, generic example)

Newspapers:

• "The diplomat emphasized the need for clear and unambiguous language in international treaties." (From a political or international relations report, generic example, referring to precision of communication)

• "Experts warn against the use of inflammatory language in political discourse, citing its divisive effects." (From an editorial or commentary piece, generic example, referring to offensive speech)

• "A new app promises to help users master a foreign language in just three months." (From a technology or lifestyle section, generic example, referring to a communication system)

Online Publications:

• "The ultimate guide to learning programming languages for beginners." (From a tech tutorial site, e.g., freeCodeCamp.org)

• "Body language speaks volumes: 7 non-verbal cues you might be missing." (From a psychology or self-improvement blog, e.g., Psychology Today Online)

• "Researchers analyze the unique language used in online gaming communities." (From a cultural studies or digital humanities website, generic example)

Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:

• Film: "The film explores how humans might communicate with alien life forms, delving into the universal language of music." (Movie review or plot description, generic example, metaphorical use)

• Television Series: "To solve the ancient riddle, the archaeologist had to decipher a forgotten language carved into the temple walls." (Dialogue from an adventure or mystery series, generic example)

• Music (Song Lyrics): "Music is a universal language." (Common phrase, often used in song lyrics, generic example)

• Video Games: "The game offers multiple language options for players around the world." (In-game settings menu or description, generic example)

• Podcasts: "Our guest today discusses the power of persuasive language in advertising and public speaking." (From a communication or marketing podcast, generic example)

General Public Discourse:

• "Do you speak any other languages?" (Common casual question)

• "Watch your language around the children!" (Common parental admonition, referring to profanity)

• "Body language is so important in interviews." (Common advice)

• "He has a great command of the English language." (Common compliment)

• "I love the expressive language of dance." (Common personal opinion, metaphorical use)

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10 Famous Quotes Using Language

1. “Language is the road map of a culture. It tells you where its people come from and where they are going.” — Rita Mae Brown

2. “The limits of my language mean the limits of my world.” — Ludwig Wittgenstein

3. “To have another language is to possess a second soul.” — Charlemagne

4. “Language is wine upon the lips.” — Virginia Woolf

5. “The language of friendship is not words but meanings.” — Henry David Thoreau

6. “Music is the universal language of mankind.” — Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

7. “A different language is a different vision of life.” — Federico Fellini

8. “Language exerts hidden power, like the moon on the tides.” — Rita Mae Brown

9. “Language is not only the vehicle of thought, it is a great and efficient instrument in thinking.” — Humphry Davy

10. “Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.” — Mark Twain

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Etymology

The word "language" has a clear and logical etymology, stemming from Latin and Old French words related to the tongue – literally, the organ of speech.

It comes from the Old French word "langage," which meant "speech," "words," or "the tongue." This Old French word, in turn, came from the Latin word "lingua," which meant "tongue" or "language." Think of how our own word "linguistics" (the study of language) is directly related to this root.

So, the first known use and meaning of "language" in English, adopted from Old French, appeared in the late 13th century (specifically by 1290). At that time, its primary meaning was "the speech of a people or country" – referring to the specific system of communication used by a community.

Over time, its meaning broadened to include the general human faculty of speech, as well as figurative uses like "body language" or programming languages, but the core idea of a system for verbal communication has always been at its heart.

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Phrases + Idioms Containing Language

Here's a list of phrases and idioms using "language," supplemented as needed:

• Body language: Non-verbal communication expressed through gestures, posture, and facial expressions.

• Plain language: Simple, clear, and direct language, easy to understand.

• Mother tongue: One's native language.

• Foul language / Bad language: Offensive or vulgar speech.

• Lost in translation: Not understandable or accurately conveyed from one language to another. (Implies a failure of language)

• The language of love: Non-verbal expressions of affection and care.

• Programming language: A formal constructed language designed to communicate instructions to a machine, particularly a computer.

• Figurative language: Language that uses words or expressions with a meaning that is different from the literal interpretation.

• The language of flowers: (Lesser-known) A symbolic system where different flowers convey specific meanings.

• Speak the same language: To understand each other well; to have a common understanding or approach.

• To mince words: To use polite or indirect language, often to avoid offending someone. (Implies a deliberate choice of language)

• Communication breakdown: A failure to understand each other, often due to language barriers. (Synonymous effect)

• Express oneself clearly: To use precise and understandable language. (Original phrase, focuses on effective use of language)

• The voice of the people: The collective opinion or expression of a community. (Metaphorical for collective language)

• Verbal dexterity: Skillfulness in using words. (Original phrase, emphasizes mastery of language)

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Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA

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Source Information

Definition of language from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.

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