Introduction to

English Linguistics
THEME : A. DEFINITION OF LANGUAGE IN GENERAL
B. THEORY OF THE ORIGIN OF LANGUAGE

GROUP’S MEMBER :
1. RIFQIYAH ISNANI AMALIAH (03010321030)
2. RIZKI PUTRA WIDYANTORO (03010321031)
3. RIZKY ARDINA AMALIA (03010321032)
Definition of language in general
a system of conventional spoken, manual (signed), or written symbols by
means of which human beings, as members of a social group and participants
in its culture, express themselves.
The definition from the expert:
Language is a purely human non-instinctive method of communicating ideas,
emotions and desires by means of a system of voluntary produces
symbols(Sapir, 1921:8)

The discussion may be summarized by referring to language as human vocal

noise (or the graphic representation of this noise in writing) used
systematically and conventionally by a community for purposes of
communication. (Crystal, 1989: 251).
Theory of The Origin of Language

One of the answers tells that language begins from hominid. It is

one of Homo but they were not smart like Homo Sapiens. It was
happened perhaps 4 or 5 million years ago.Besides the hominid
theory, there are some theories about the origin of language.
1. Mama Theory, The first theory is mama theory. This theory
claims that language begins from the easiest syllables attached to
the most significant objects. Commonly, this theory applies to
babies. When they are at four or five months old, they can say
billabial sounds, like, pa..pa..pa.., ma..ma..ma.., ba..ba..ba
2. Ta-ta Theory, The second theory is Ta-ta theory. This theory is
given by Sir Richard Paget that was influenced by Darwin. He
believed that body movement preceded language.
3. Pooh-pooh Theory, The next theory is pooh-pooh theory. The
theory explains that language is started with interjections,
instinctive emotive cries such as oh! for surprise and ouch! for
pain, may be in Indonesia we will find the word “aduh!” for pain
and “wow!” for surprise. It is an expression of someone’s feeling
(self-expression).
4. The hey you Theory, This theory is proposed by a linguist,
Revesz. He suggested that we always needed interpersonal contact.
The language itself begins as sounds to signal both identity (here I
am!) and belonging (I’m with you!). We may also cry out in fear,
anger, or hurt (help me!). This is more commonly called the contact
theory
5. Eureka Theory, The last theory is the eureka theory. This theory
says that language is consciously invented.
Any questions?
We think that’s all from us, we are sorry if
there’s mistake, we hope you guys enjoy
our presentation, and the we last we say
Wassalamu’alaikum wr.wrb