Basic linguistics dissect the study of language into these sub-fields Syntax, Semantics, Morphology, Phonetics, and Phonology.
- Syntax refers to the structure of language, the order of the kinds of words we use to transmit ideas. Different languages have different syntax structures that can be very complex. For example, You friend’s sister’s brother’s second through after his first puff of a joint. “The structure and context of the language gave you a very particular idea”.
- Semantics refers to the meaning of language, the difference between explicit or ambiguity. For example the difference between a pen ( To write) and animal pen.
- Morphology: The structure of works, the smallest unit of meaning can be extracted from words, for example, Bird. How are mani ideas compound in this word? Well, 2. 1 it refers to the animal, and 2, it has an s. So it’s plural. Now “Establishment” comes from “Establish” and add “ment” and you create a completely new meaning.
- Phonetics: The properties and the sounds of the words and how they are created. For example the study of S vs Z. Try to create both sounds and move from one to the other and pay attention to the different parts of your body that are used to create the sounds and the differences.
- Phonology: Patterns of sounds, this studies the variations and similarities of the different sound patterns created by one syllable. For example the differences between “Ebay and bay vs ebay and pay”.