Epistemology of the English Language 2022

THE SCOPE OF LINGUISTICS

From Chapter 2: The Scope of Linguistics

Linguistics by H. G. Widdowson

 Purpose of Linguistics
 The abstracting Potential of language: Models & maps
 Dimensions of Idealization
 Langue and Parole ( Ferdinand de Saussure)
 Diachronic vs. Synchronic dimensions
 Competence & Performance (Noam Chomsky)
 Communicative Competence (Dell Hymes)

GUIDE QUESTIONS: The Scope of Linguistics

1. Which are the conceptual differences between Saussure’s distinction

(Langue and Parole) and Chomsky’s distinction
(Competence and Performance)?
2. Identify the issues about:
o The methodology of linguistic enquiry.
o The scope of linguistic enquiry.
3. State the differences between Chomsky’s view of linguistic knowledge
and Halliday’s view.
4. Define the concept of Communicative competence. Who coined this term
initially? Why would this concept be central to our profession: language
teachers?

BIBLIOGRAPHY:

Widdowson, H.G. (2003) Oxford Introductions to Language Study:

Linguistics. Oxford: OUP.

1 Lic. Prof. Patricia Sampietro