Introduction to Lingistics

1. Definition of Linguistics

2. Scope of Linguistics

3. Important distinctions in linguistics

3.1 descriptive vs. prescriptive
3.2 synchronic vs. diachronic
3.3 speech and writing
3.4 langue and parole
3.5 competence and performance
3.6 modern linguistics vs. traditional grammar

A. Linguistics is descriptive, not prescriptive
B. Linguistics regards the spoken language as primary, not the written.
C. Linguistics differs from traditional grammar in that it does not force languages into a Latin-based framework.

4. Revision Exercises