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September 15, 2005
Language
What is language?
Language is a shared extensive collection of words with meaning made up of individual sounds, used as a way to communicate. To understand one's language, one must be able to read, write, and speak it, as well as be able to apply the grammar. Each word has a meaning behind it that the sounds represent, and being able to interpret these meanings are also part of language. What makes the distinction? Humans use language to express their feelings and thoughts. Naturally, humans want to share and connect with each other, and are intelligent enough to do so. This is why I believe we have such a complex communication system in relation to the other creatures of the earth.
Learning a Sentence vs. a Word?
Saying that you learned a new sentence today just doesn't make sense. It is much more likely that someone would say that he learned a new word. Sentences are created with a collection of chosen words using knowledge and creativity. You must know words to learn, write, or make a sentence. If you wrote a new sentence, it must be based on words that you already knew. I think "create" a new sentence makes more sense that "learn".
Posted by lcishagan at September 15, 2005 11:00 PM