Structure of Language

By: Amada G. Banaag, PhD

 Objectives
Enumerate the five main language
components

Define each component and relate its

function to meaningful communication

Show how each component contributes to a

successful communication
 Five Components of Language
PHONEMES – sounds of a certain language

MORPHEMES – word structure

LEXEMES – the set of all inflected forms of a single

word

SYNTAX – sentence structure

CONTEXT – the situation of the communication

 Structure
of Language

in a
Diagram
 Function of each Element
Phonemes – gives distinct sound in a language

Examples:
C in car
C in City

 There are approximately 44 unique sounds (phonemes)

in the English Language
Function of each Element
Morphemes
makes word structure possible
comprised of two separate classes
 bases - nation
 affixes – al
 nation + al = national
Function of each Element
Lexemes – smallest or minimal unit of
lexicon in a language that gives some varied
meaning

Example:
PLAY – plays, playing, played
Function of each Element
Syntax – states the rules for using words,
phrases, clauses and punctuations specifically to
form sentences
Examples:
• word choice
• matching tenses, number and gender

“You are right.” instead of “You is right.”

 Function of each Element
Context – gives the circumstances that form a
setting for an event, statement, idea, and in
terms of which can be fully understood and
assessed.

The play is about to start.

The orchestra play their piece magnificently.
Exercise/Discussion
1. Why are the five elements important for a
successful communication?

2. Which for you is the most important element?

Why?
Assignment
Look for the International Phonetic Alphabet
(IPA) Chart, and be ready to discuss it with
the class.

Thank you and God bless! 