Definition: Linguistics is the scientific study of language.

Language enables us to express our thoughts, ideas and feelings to others and also to understand theirs. Linguistics is the scientific study of this rich and varied human ability. It seeks to answer a number of fundamental questions:

  • What is the nature of language?
  • Do animals communicate using a language?
  • How do children acquire their native language so efficiently?
  • What is the origin of language?
  • How do humans use language to communicate with one another?

To define the goals of linguistics this unit first defines the terms language and communication and then introduces the major branches of linguistics.