1. Systematicity and Structure:
* Phonology: A language has a systematic sound system (phonemes) with rules for combining them into words.
* Morphology: Words are formed according to rules (morphemes, prefixes, suffixes).
* Syntax: Sentences are constructed according to grammatical rules for word order and structure.
* Semantics: Words and sentences have meaning, and meaning is structured within the language.
2. Communicative Function:
* Expressiveness: Languages allow users to express thoughts, feelings, and ideas.
* Informative: Languages convey information, facts, and knowledge.
* Directive: Languages can be used to give commands, instructions, or make requests.
* Social: Languages enable social interaction, build relationships, and maintain cultural identity.
3. Arbitrariness:
* The connection between the sounds of words and their meanings is arbitrary. There's no inherent reason why "dog" refers to a canine.
4. Displacement:
* Languages allow us to talk about things that are not present, in the past, or in the future.
5. Creativity:
* Languages are not fixed, but rather constantly evolve and adapt through new words, expressions, and uses.
6. Cultural Transmission:
* Languages are learned and passed down through generations, forming an integral part of a culture.
7. Shared System:
* For a language to be truly considered a language, it needs to be understood and used by a community of speakers.
Important Notes:
* No clear boundary: The line between "language" and "dialect" is often blurry and can be subjective.
* Continuous evolution: Languages are constantly evolving, with new words and expressions emerging all the time.
* Subjectivity: The criteria used to determine what constitutes a "language" can vary depending on the context and purpose.
Ultimately, the criteria for what makes a language are complex and multifaceted. While there's no single definitive answer, these characteristics provide a good framework for understanding what makes a language distinctive and powerful.