Chapter One Revision Exercises.docx 1. How do you interpret the following definition of linguistics: Linguistics is the scientific study of language. 2. What are the major branches of linguistics? What does each of them study? 4. Is modern linguistics mainly synchronic or diachronic? Why? 5. For what reasons does modern linguistics give priority to speech rather than to writing? 6. How is Saussure's distinction between langue and parole similar to Chomsky's distinction between competence and performance? 7. What characteristics of language do you think should be included in a good, comprehensive definition of language? 8. What are the main features of human language that have been specified by C. Hockett to show that it is essentially different from animal communication system? 9. What are the major functions of language? Think of your own examples for illustration.