1. Arbitrariness: The relationship between a word and its meaning is arbitrary. There is no inherent connection between the sound "cat" and the furry animal it represents. This is unlike animal communication systems, where signs are often iconic (e.g., a dog's bark is a warning signal).
2. Productivity: Language is productive, meaning we can create an infinite number of new sentences and expressions. We can combine words in novel ways to convey new ideas and thoughts.
3. Displacement: We can talk about things that are not present in the here and now. We can discuss past events, future plans, or even imaginary concepts. This ability to "displace" our communication is unique to humans.
4. Duality of Patterning: Language operates on two levels: sounds (phonemes) and meaning (morphemes). Phonemes are combined into morphemes, which are the smallest units of meaning. These morphemes are then combined into words, phrases, and sentences.
5. Cultural Transmission: Language is learned, not instinctual. We acquire language through interaction with others, and it varies across cultures.
6. Recursion: Language allows for embedded structures, meaning we can place phrases within phrases. This allows for complex and nuanced expressions, like "The cat that the dog chased is black."
7. Symbolic: Words are symbols that represent something else. They can be used to refer to concrete objects, abstract concepts, or emotions.
These characteristics help distinguish language from other forms of communication and highlight its unique features that enable humans to convey complex thoughts and ideas.