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CHARACTERISTICS OF LANGUAGE

Language is characterised by the fallowing characteristics

1. Language is a system
Language has different linguistic levels (phonological, semantic and syntactical). All
the words in different languages are arranged in the form of a meaningful sentence
with the help of grammar.

2. Language is dynamic
This implies that language is changing constantly. Language is characterized by
change in both its words and meaning. Language can vary from one generation to
other.

3. Dialects:
Language is subjected to regional variations. Varieties of same language are spoken in
same country. There are also differences between different countries.

4. Sociolect:
Language is subjected to social variation. The way the same language is spoken may
vary depending on speakers social class or occupational group.

5. Idiolect:
Language is subjected to individual variations. This implies that no two individuals
speak some language in exactly same manner. There are variations such as voice
clarity and quality, pitch and rhythm; choices of words, use of grammar etc though all
speakers follow same rules of linguistic structure.

6. Language is symbolic:
Most words in any language are symbols for instance, the neither word APPLE neither
looks nor sounds like an APPLE.

Dr Ravindra Reddy Karna BEST COACH IAS ACADEMY