Linguistics

Linguistics is the study of language. (A language is a system of arbitrary, voluntarily-produced symbols (vocal, manual, or written) that permits all humans in a given culture to communicate ideas, emotions, and desires.)

Some characteristic design features of language:

• Arbitrariness — forms of linguistic signs bear no natural relation to their meaning
• Discreteness — linguistic signs are considered discrete sounds that can be combined according to the rules of grammar
• Duality — a large number of meaningful elements can be created from a small number of meaningless ones
• Creativity — can be used to send messages we have never said or heard before
• Displacement — ability to communicate outside of direct response to stimuli (e.g., talking about a teacup without it being present)

See also:

• Historical and comparative linguistics
• Morphology
• Phonetics
• Phonology
• Syntax