ELT 101 ACTIVITY

SUBMITTED BY: JESICA SALUDAGA

BSED E-1
SUBMITTED TO: LORELEI MARIE BAMA ENAR
INSTRUCTOR
1. Discuss the difference between semantics and pragmatics

Semantics and pragmatics are two branches of linguistics that deal

with the study of meaning in language. While they are closely related,
there are some key differences between the two.

Semantics primarily focuses on the study of literal or conventional

meaning in language. It seeks to understand how words, phrases,
and sentences are used to represent concepts in a language.
Semantics deals with the relationships between words and their
meanings, as well as the ways in which words combine to form
meaningful expressions. It explores the denotative meaning, or
dictionary definitions, of words, and aims to uncover the underlying
logic and structure of language.

Pragmatics, on the other hand, is concerned with the study of how

context influences the interpretation of meaning in language. It goes
beyond the literal meaning of words and takes into account factors
such as speaker intention, social norms, cultural backgrounds, and
the shared knowledge between speakers. Pragmatics focuses on
understanding how meaning is constructed in specific situations, and
how what is said may differ from what is meant. It also examines how
speech acts, such as requests, promises, and apologies, are
performed in different contexts.

In summary, while semantics investigates the conventional meaning

of words and the relationships between them, pragmatics looks at
how meaning is influenced by factors beyond the words themselves,
such as context, speaker intentions, and cultural understanding. Both
semantics and pragmatics play important roles in understanding the
complex nature of meaning in language.

2. Does language change apply to all languages in the world

Yes, language change is a natural and universal phenomenon that

occurs in all languages spoken by humans across the world. No
language remains static or unchanged over time. The processes of
language change can vary, but they are inherent to the nature of
human communication.
Language change can occur through various mechanisms, such as
phonetic shifts (changes in pronunciation), grammatical
developments, semantic shifts (changes in word meanings),
borrowing words from other languages, and the creation of new
vocabulary and expressions to adapt to changing social contexts.

Languages change both synchronically (over short periods) and

diachronically (over long periods). Synchronic changes refer to
variations within a particular time frame, while diachronic changes
involve examining a language over an extended period.

Language change can be influenced by a range of factors, including

social, cultural, and technological developments, contact with other
languages and cultures, shifts in power dynamics, and generational
differences. As societies evolve, so too do their languages.

Furthermore, language change is not limited to spoken languages but

also applies to signed languages used by Deaf communities. Sign
languages experience similar processes of evolution and adaptation.

In conclusion, language change is an inherent part of all languages

worldwide, reflecting the dynamic nature of human communication
and the ever-evolving needs and interactions of speakers.

3.Discuss the following terms:

A. Stress
B. Intonation
C. Morphology
D. Syntax
E. Enunciation
F. Pronunciation

A. Stress: In linguistics, stress refers to the emphasis placed on

certain syllables within a word or words within a phrase. Stressed
syllables are typically pronounced with greater force, pitch, or
duration compared to unstressed syllables. The placement of stress
can vary between languages and can affect the meaning and rhythm
of spoken words.
B. Intonation: Intonation refers to the patterns of melody, pitch, and
tone that accompany speech. It involves the rise and fall of pitch
within a sentence or phrase, conveying information beyond the
individual words themselves. Intonation helps express emotions,
differentiate questions from statements, indicate emphasis, and
convey other nuances of meaning.

C. Morphology: Morphology is the study of the internal structure of

words and how they are formed. It analyzes the smallest meaningful
units called morphemes and how they combine to create words.
Morphemes can be roots, prefixes, suffixes, or inflectional endings.
Morphology also deals with processes like affixation, compounding,
and word formation rules.

D. Syntax: Syntax is concerned with the arrangement and order of

words in phrases, clauses, and sentences to form grammatically
correct structures. It examines how words combine to create
meaningful phrases and sentences, and the hierarchical relationships
between different elements in a sentence.

E. Enunciation: Enunciation refers to the clear and distinct

pronunciation of words or sounds. It involves producing sounds
accurately, articulating consonants and vowels correctly, and
speaking with proper clarity and precision. Good enunciation ensures
that words are easily understood by listeners.

F. Pronunciation: Pronunciation refers to the way words and sounds

are articulated and spoken. It encompasses the correct production of
individual phonemes, stress patterns, intonation, and overall clarity of
speech. Pronunciation affects how intelligible and accurate one's
spoken language sounds to others.

These terms are all crucial aspects of language study and contribute
to effective communication. Understanding them can enhance both
speaking and listening skills.