Language and Lexicon Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Language and Lexicon - Essay Example Language and Lexicon As long as it meets the description, it is a language, even if other organisms do not understand it. Generally, it is the cognitive ability to learn and utilize complex communicative systems. Language relies on semiosis in order to relate signs with their meanings. It contains phonological systems, which govern the manner in which symbols combine to create sequences of words. Lexicon, on the other hand, is the vocabulary of the said language, also referred to as an individual’s lexical knowledge. It is taken along the lines of meaning in a language of written symbols and speech sounds. It is essential to know a language’s lexicon in order to understand the language. Every culture possesses its own lexicon and language. Lexicon includes bound morphemes, for example, majority of affixes, which cannot be used alone as words. Lexicon can also include various idiomatic classes of expression, as well as other collocations, and compound words. Dictionaries normally attempt to list a given language’s lexicon in alphabetical order, although they do not include bound morphemes. Lexicon, more formally, is the inventory of lexemes that is present in a particular language. Key Features of Language There are several key features of any language. Language is quite complex since it is the only full lexicon. One feature of language is a vocal-auditory channel. Majority of languages are spoken with hearing and the voice being medium for the majority of communication. Vocal communication acts as the basis for language communication (Trask, 2012). Directional reception and broadcast transmission is another feature of language. Human language is dispersed in every direction when it is spoken, although the ear pinpoints the sound’s direction. Another key feature is transitoriness or rapid fading, which refers to the fact that sound, fades quickly. This gives sufficient opportunity for people to hold discussions that would be lost in confusion if the sound s hang in the air. Interchangeability is another key feature of language, which allows for speech utterances in use by the two genders. This is not present in all organisms. The feature allows for empathy and thorough understanding among the sexes (Trask, 2012). Another key feature of language is total feedback that ensures all humans can hear what they say while checking the communicative effect and quality of their speech. Individual analysis of speech allows one to correct mistakes that lead to clearer communication in conversations held in the future, as well as for the avoidance of undesirable action (Trask, 2012). Specialization is yet another feature with the human body possessing parts that let them vocalize the phonemes. These are essential increased communication perception and depth of understanding, both non-verbal and verbal. Other features are semantics, which refer to the use of different words to express similar meanings in the same language. Moreover, arbitrariness that ensures sounds are given a meaning by the person hearing them, discreteness that refers to the ability of humans to put sounds in context even where the sounds are not clear, and duality of patterning that is referent to the switching of known sounds to come up with new meanings (Trask, 2012). Levels of Language There are four levels of language; text, sentences, words, and

Organisations & Behaviour (OB) Assignment Dissertation

Organisations & Behaviour (OB) Assignment - Dissertation Example The human resources form the basic component of each organisation and their behaviour has an impact on their performance as well as the way the organisation operates. From this assertion, this report seeks to evaluate different factors that affect human behaviour through an analysis of two organisations namely Tarmac and Google. The report will focus on organisational structure and culture, approaches to management and leadership, motivational theories as well as teamwork in the chosen organisation. Task 1 Organisational structure and culture 1 a. Difference between organisational structure and culture In order to compare and contrast organisational structure of Tarmac and Google Inc, it is important to define the terms first as a way of gaining a clear understanding. An organisational structure is mainly concerned with the way job tasks are divide among the employees working in the organisation (Robbins, Odendaal & Roodt 2001). Organisational culture on the other hand is defined as values, norms, beliefs as well as attitudes that are shared among the members of the organisation and these also shape their behaviour and the way they interact (Armstrong 1994). Tarmac has an organisational structure that provides clear lines of control, responsibility and communication (http://www.thetimes100.co.uk/case-study--how-roles-functions-contribute-to-organisational-performance--109-355-1.php). Tarmac is a large business hence it is important for the individuals to understand their roles and responsibilities which is a major contributor to the success of the organisation. In its operations, it uses the best practice approach and it is committed to uphold ethical principles as well as responsibility among the members and this helps the members of the organisation to understand their role expectations so that they can pull their efforts towards the attainment of the set organisational goals. One advantage of this structure of Tarmac is that it is adaptive and it emphasises on flexibility to adapt to the changing environment in which the organisation operates. This can positively enhance performance and it can be noted that the success story of the organisation is mainly as a result of the structure of the organisation which is functional in nature and the roles are clearly defined such that every member knows what is expected of him or her. On the other hand, Google Inc has a flat structure whereby every employee has the opportunity to contribute towards the decision making process in the organisation. The organisation also uses the best practice approach to ensure that the employees are satisfied with their work. This approach also emphasizes on motivation of the employees for them to put optimum performance in their operations. One advantage of this structure is that in a decentralized organisation, action can be taken more quickly to solve problems. Many people