General Truths:
* Languages are systems of communication. They are a shared set of symbols and rules that allow people to convey meaning.
* Languages evolve over time. They change in response to cultural shifts, technological advancements, and contact with other languages.
* Languages are complex and dynamic. They involve various aspects like phonology (sounds), morphology (word formation), syntax (sentence structure), semantics (meaning), and pragmatics (how meaning is conveyed in context).
* Languages are based on human cognition. They reflect the way humans think and understand the world around them.
* Languages are social constructs. They are created and maintained by people within a community.
* All languages are equally complex and capable of expressing any idea. There is no "primitive" or "superior" language.
Specific to Human Languages:
* Languages are primarily vocal. Even languages with written systems originally developed from spoken forms.
* Languages are rule-governed. They have specific rules about how sounds, words, and sentences are combined.
* Languages are ambiguous. The same word or sentence can have multiple meanings depending on context.
* Languages have dialects. Variations in pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar exist within a language.
* Languages are constantly being learned and relearned. Children acquire their first language naturally, while adults may learn additional languages formally or informally.
Beyond Human Languages:
* Animal communication systems are also languages. They may not be as complex as human languages, but they still convey information through signals and gestures.
* Computer languages are languages. They use a set of symbols and rules to communicate instructions to computers.
Important Note: While these statements hold true in general, there are exceptions and nuances depending on the specific language and its context.