Language is fundamentally a means of communication among all beings, utilizing a structured system of sounds. While postures, gestures, and signals also aid in communication, they are not classified as language. The first step in learning a language is listening, followed by listening, reading, and speaking, which occur naturally. Listening and reading are receptive skills, whereas speaking and writing are productive skills.

Language is a fundamental aspect of life for all beings. It can be defined as a verbal, physical, and biologically innate form of communication. Language serves as a medium through which individuals express their ideas, thoughts, and feelings. Numerous languages are spoken worldwide, and it is challenging to determine their exact origins. It is believed that early humans started conveying messages through signals, postures, and gestures. Thus, language can be described as a human communication system that uses arbitrary signals such as voice, sounds, gestures, and written symbols.

According to Edward Sapir, “Language is a purely human and non-instinctive method of communicating ideas, emotions, and desires by means of a system of voluntarily produced symbols.” Therefore, language is a method of human communication that uses complex structures to express various ideas.

Characteristics of Language

• Language is a set of conventional communicative signals used by humans for communication within a community.
• It consists of various sound symbols and their counterparts that are used to represent objects, occurrences, and meanings. These symbols are chosen arbitrarily and are conventionally accepted and employed.
• Although language is symbolic, its symbols are arranged in a specific system. All languages have phonological and grammatical systems, and within these systems, there are several sub-systems.
• Language is primarily composed of vocal sounds, making speech the primary mode of communication.
• There is no inherent relationship between the words of a language and their meanings or the ideas they convey.
• Each language is unique in its own way. However, this does not mean that languages do not share any similarities.

Aims of Language Teaching

The various aims of language teaching include:

• Developing the ability to understand the speaker's language.
• Enhancing the ability to read with comprehension.
• Enabling fluent and diverse expression using different skills.
• Teaching how to present or write in a coherent manner.
• Understanding the scientific aspects of a language.
• Fostering sensitivity towards national issues, cultural heritage, and contemporary life.

Importance of Language

Language is a vital tool for communicating thoughts and ideas. It helps forge friendships, cultural ties, and economic relationships. Some experts assert that “Language is what separates human beings from animals.” Language is the most important means for acquiring human knowledge.

The development of social contacts among individuals has been facilitated by language, allowing people to easily exchange ideas. Language also aids in the spread of culture. Without proper words, ideas cannot be expressed effectively, making language essential for conveying a wide variety of ideas.

In summary, language is a crucial component of human life, simplifying the conveyance of ideas, enhancing social contacts, conserving and preserving culture, and transmitting it to future generations.

 Importance of English Language in India

English holds a unique importance in India. As the most common foreign language, it has played a crucial role in building modern India.

• In India, people speak different languages across states, and English serves as a bridge for communication. It acts as a link language and connects us to the outside world.
• English is the primary language of the press and the internet, making it essential for technological advancement. It is an official language in over 50 countries and is used in the United Nations.
• Books, magazines, and newspapers in English outnumber those in any other language.
• Most scientific and medical articles and books are written in English.
• As an international language, English facilitates travel and business. In India, English is regarded as a second language, emphasizing its significance.

Principles/Methods of Language Teaching

Several theories have been proposed by psychologists regarding language teaching. Some important principles are as follows:

1. Theory of Motivation and Interest: Motivation is crucial in language learning, especially for a second language. Teachers can arouse students' interest using charts, pictures, flashcards, models, blackboard sketches, and other visual aids.
2. Theory of Imitation: Children learn a language through imitation. Imitation followed by intensive practice helps achieve mastery over the language system.
3. Theory of Habit Formation: Language learning is essentially a habit-forming process. Teachers can help students form language patterns through intensive practice in various situations.
4. Theory of Exercise (Practice and Drill): According to B.F. Skinner, practice and drilling play a significant role in language teaching. Continuous repetition helps imprint learning in the child's mind.
5. Theory of Individual Differences: Every child is unique with different abilities and backgrounds. Language teaching should consider these differences and address individual needs.
6. Theory of Using Mother Tongue: While some linguists oppose using the mother tongue in teaching a foreign language, it can be used sparingly and judiciously at early stages for explanations, gradually minimizing its influence.
7. Theory of Oral Approach: Speech motivates learners. Speaking should precede reading and writing, as it is the quickest way to learn a language.
8. Theory of Ratio and Series: Language teaching should integrate all skills—listening, speaking, reading, and writing—ensuring proportional development in each area.
9. Theory of Child-Centered Learning: Teaching should focus on the child, prioritizing student involvement and interaction to address their needs and enhance learning.

Question for Notes: Principles of Language Teaching

Try yourself:

What is the primary role of language in human life?

• A.

  Enhancing social contacts
• B.

  Facilitating economic relationships
• C.

  Preserving culture
• D.

  All of the above

Explanation

- Language plays a crucial role in enhancing social contacts among individuals, allowing them to easily exchange ideas and forge friendships.
- It also facilitates economic relationships by enabling effective communication in business and trade.
- Language is essential for the preservation and conservation of culture, as it allows ideas, traditions, and knowledge to be transmitted to future generations.
- Therefore, the correct answer is option D, as language is involved in all the mentioned aspects of human life.

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Steps or Maxims Used While Teaching

To make teaching more effective and gainful, certain steps should be followed:

1. Known to the Unknown

Teaching should build on what students already know, either in their native language or in English. Existing knowledge lays the foundation for new learning.

2. Simple to Complex

Begin with simple concepts and vocabulary before moving on to more complex structures. Starting with simple elements helps learners feel motivated and confident, aiding in their understanding of complex topics.

3. Concrete to Abstract

Teach using concrete objects that can be seen and felt, as this type of teaching has a longer-lasting impact. Abstract concepts can only be understood if students have a concrete reference point (e.g., imagining a golden apple is easier if one has seen a real apple).

4. Analysis to Synthesis

Start with detailed teaching (analysis) and then move towards summarizing the information (synthesis). This approach helps students better understand and retain the material.

5. Induction to Deduction

In the induction method, provide examples first and then derive a conclusion. In the deduction method, explain a rule first and then give examples. Teaching should progress from induction to deduction for better comprehension.

6. Psychological to Logical

Consider the interests, aptitudes, capacities, and difficulty levels of the learners. For example, teach vocabulary and sentence structures that match the learners' difficulty levels, then arrange and explain them in a logical sequence.

7. Relate Form to Meaning and Contextualize

Ensure all class activities are meaningful. Students should understand the meaning of what they hear, say, read, or write. Contextualizing activities helps students grasp the practical application of their learning.

Selection of language items should involve:

• Frequency: how often a certain item or word is used
• Range: in what different contexts a word or an item can be used
• Coverage: how many different meanings a word or an item can convey
• Availability: how far an item is convenient to teach
• learnability: how far an item is easy to learn
• teach-ability: how far and the item is easy to teach - in the social context

Functions of Language

The language of all kinds uses an agreed code that develops according to the cultures in which they arise. The rhythm, tone, and melody of language are of great importance as language develops. The gestures and movement of the face and hand are also extremely important and are all part of the conventional symbols of that particular culture. Language development is a part of symbolic behaviour and is often called the period of symbolic development. Language development is deeply linked with the process of representation and communication, which means that it makes it easier to represent and communicate.
Halliday identifies seven functions that language has for children in their early years. For Halliday, children are motivated to develop language because it serves certain purposes or functions for them. The first four functions that help the child to satisfy physical, emotional, and social needs are:

• Instrumental: This is when the child uses language to express their needs
• Regulatory: This is where the language is used to tell others what to do
• Interactional: Here language is used to make contact with others and form relationships
• Personal: This is the use of language to express feelings, opinions, and individual identity.

The next three functions are that help the child to come to terms with his or her environment are:

• Heuristic: This is when language is used to gain knowledge about the environment.
• Imaginative: Here language is used to tell stories and jokes and to create an imaginary environment.
• Representational: The use of language to convey facts and information.

According to Halliday, as the child moves into the mother tongue, these functions give way to the generalized "metafunctions" of language. In this process, in between the two levels of the simple proto-language system, an additional level of content is inserted. Instead of one level of content, there are now two: lexicographic and semantics. The "expression" plane also now consists of two levels: phonetics and phonology.