In Language And Linguistics — Key Concepts

Linguistics - LibGuides at California State University, Fullerton

The study of literal meaning. It explores how words and sentences convey specific concepts and how those meanings relate to one another. Key Concepts in Language and Linguistics

The study of word formation and structure. This involves analyzing morphemes , which are the smallest units of meaning (e.g., the word "unfriendly" contains three: un- , friend , and -ly ). the word "unfriendly" contains three: un-

Linguists typically break language down into five fundamental components: Key Concepts in Language and Linguistics

The study of the sound system of a language. It looks at how sounds (phonemes) are organized and used to distinguish meaning, such as the difference between the "b" in bat and the "p" in pat .