Exploring Language

Exploring Language
Structure
A Student’s Guide

T H O M A S E . PAY N E

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© Thomas E. Payne 2006
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Introduction to morphology
and syntax

If you were to ask anyone the question “What is language?” you would probably
receive an answer that includes the word “communication.” Most of us, if we
think about our language at all, have the common-sense notion that language
exists for the purpose of communication. This way of thinking views language as
a “tool” thatpeople use to accomplish the “job” of communication. It may not be
the only tool that people use for this job, and it may help accomplish other jobs
as well. However, many people, both linguists and non-linguists, have the idea
that the main purpose of human language is communication.
Viewing language as a tool has profound consequences for all kinds of applications. Whether you are planning tocontribute to linguistic theory, document one
of the many unwritten languages of the world, prepare educational materials, or
simply learn to speak a second language, you will profit greatly from a perspective
that considers language as a tool for communication. In this introductory section,
we will explore this perspective in some detail, after which we will discuss some
fundamental conceptsof linguistic analysis.
Every tool has two components: a function and a form . The
function is the job the tool is designed to accomplish, and the form
is the tangible structure that accomplishes that job. For example, the
main function of the kind of hammer pictured here is to pound nails
into wood and to remove them. The form is the shape of the iron head
attached to a handle, as in thispicture. Though individual hammers
may differ from one another in many ways, they also have a lot in
common. This particular form is specially adapted to the function of
pounding nails. If it had a form that was very different from this, it
would not serve this purpose. Imagine a hammer with a paper head, or one lacking
a handle. Such poor excuses for hammers would not be very useful forpounding
nails (though they might serve some other purpose). So the function “motivates”
(provides a reason for) the form of this very useful device. Without a function,
the form would be simply an odd-shaped lump of iron and wood.
Of course, you don’t have to use a hammer to pound nails – a hard rock or the
heel of your shoe might do. Furthermore, because the hammer has its particular
form, italso may be used to accomplish other functions, perhaps straightening
metal, or breaking up concrete. But its main function has the greatest influence
on its basic form.
1

2

introduction to morphology and syntax

Language also consists of a function and a form. Common sense tells us that the
main function of language is to help people communicate. The form consists of
sounds,...