Language system of words and symbols for their common use to a people who

are in the same community.

General characteristics of Language
Every human language consist of the following four elements, namely, the
symbol, the referent, the reference, and the subject. Let us take the word road for
an example. A symbol refers to the name or word the signifies the objective reality
which is the road. In this case, the word road is the symbol. The actual road
which is signified by the word road is referent. The meaning of or the idea behind
the word road is called the reference. It is what we understand or mean when we
think or speak of a road. The one who thinks or speaks about the road is the
subject.
The Functions of Language
Language is a convention. However, people vary in moods and orientations, and
from time to time find themselves in different situations. Language is then
manipulated to suit up to this variegatedness. The function of language are dictated
by the reason and purposes of its speaker.
a. Informative is one in which the language is used to communicate, that is, to
state or declare facts or opinions.
b. Emotive- is one of which language is used to express or to arouse feelings or
emotions.
c. Directive is one in which language is used in order to cause or prevent overt
action.
d. Performative is when language is used not only to state, confess, or report
something but also to perform what is being said.
e. Ceremonial is used when in greeting or oral rituals during communal
gatherings and assemblies.
f. Logical is one in which language is used to analyze, clarify, or put forth an
argument.
Definition
Nature of Definition
1. Nominal Definition merely points out what the term stands for, without
explaining what it is in itself.

Etymological - states origin or derivation of a term

Example: Companion comes from the latin word cum meaning with
and panis meaning bread. So companion is one whom you eat bread
with.
Synonyms
- presents another word, more popular or easily
recognizable, to clarify a term.

Example: Hideous means ugly

2. Real definition- state the nature or the essential characteristics possessed by
the individual denoted by the term or it gives its genus and the specific
difference.
3. Denotative states the menaing of a term by the application if its term to its
referent. This is also known as definition by example. To define what a tree is,
one goes to enumerate different kinds of tree such as The Narra tree, The
Molave tree, The Mahogany tree.
4. Descriptive - state the meaning of a term by enumerating th essential or
accidental characteristics of the referent term.

Rules of Good Definition

1. Definition must be brief. Must contain words only necessary.
2. Definition must be clear. The words to be used must be simple and
accurate.
3. Definition must be positive. It must be about what is defined and not what
is not defined.
4. Definition must be complete or adequate.
5. Definition must not contain terms or features being defined.