GNS 101

I. Levels of Language:

1. Phonology:
o Phonology is the study of sounds and their patterns within a language.
o It examines the speech sounds (phonemes) and their distribution in a language.
o For example, in English, the phonological pattern of stress can change the meaning of words, as in
"CON-vict" (noun) versus "con-VICT" (verb).
2. Morphology:
o Morphology is the analysis of word structure and formation.
o It deals with morphemes, the smallest units of meaning in a language, and how they combine to create
words.
o For instance, in the word "unhappiness," "un-" is a morpheme indicating negation, and "-ness" denotes a
state or quality.
3. Syntax:
o Syntax refers to the rules governing sentence structure and word order in a language.
o It deals with how words are arranged to form grammatically correct sentences.
o An example of syntax is the difference in word order between English and Yoda's speech in "Star
Wars," where he says, "Powerful you have become; the dark side I sense in you."
4. Semantics:
o Semantics is concerned with the meaning of words and how they combine to form meaningful
sentences.
o It explores the relationships between words and their referents or concepts.
o For example, the word "dog" refers to a domesticated mammal, while "bark" can mean the sound a dog
makes or the outer covering of a tree.
5. Pragmatics:
o Pragmatics focuses on the use of language in different social contexts.
o It examines how language is used to achieve communicative goals and convey meaning beyond literal
interpretation.
o An example of pragmatics is understanding that saying "Can you pass the salt?" is not just a request for
salt but also a polite way of asking for it.

II. Language Skills:

1. Listening:
o Listening involves comprehending spoken language and understanding the intended message.
o Effective listening requires attention, concentration, and interpretation of auditory input.
o For instance, listening to a lecture and taking notes requires active listening skills to capture key points.
2. Speaking:
o Speaking is the process of articulating thoughts and ideas verbally.
o It involves the production of speech sounds, words, and sentences to convey meaning.
o An example of speaking is giving a presentation in class, where clear articulation and organization of
ideas are essential.
3. Reading:
o Reading is the act of understanding written text.
o It involves decoding written symbols (letters, words, sentences) and extracting meaning from the text.
o Reading skills include comprehending a novel, interpreting graphs in a scientific article, or
understanding instructions on a product label.
4. Writing:
o Writing is the process of expressing ideas through written language.
o It involves composing coherent and organized texts using appropriate grammar, vocabulary, and style.
o Writing skills encompass drafting an essay, composing an email, or creating a report for work or school.

III. Functions of Language:

1. Communication Purposes:
o Informing: Conveying information or facts to others.
o Persuading: Influencing beliefs or behaviors through argumentation or rhetoric.
o Entertaining: Providing amusement or enjoyment through storytelling, humor, or creativity.
o Expressing Emotions: Conveying feelings or attitudes through language and nonverbal cues.
2. Social and Cultural Context:
o Language usage varies depending on social factors such as age, gender, ethnicity, and social status.
o Cultural norms and values influence language use, including choice of vocabulary, speech patterns, and
communicative styles.
o An example of social and cultural context is how language is used differently in formal versus informal
settings or how language changes across generations.

IV. Uses of English Language in Nigeria:

1. Historical Context:
o Tracing the historical development of English language usage in Nigeria, from colonialism to
independence.
o Understanding the impact of historical events such as colonization, missionary activities, and
educational policies on language acquisition and language attitudes.
o For example, during British colonial rule, English was imposed as the language of administration and
education in Nigeria.
2. Contemporary Usage:
o Exploring how English is used in various domains such as education, government, media, business, and
literature.
o Analyzing the role of English in shaping Nigerian identity and cultural discourse, including its influence
on indigenous languages and linguistic diversity.
o For instance, English is widely used in Nigerian literature, with authors like Chinua Achebe and Wole
Soyinka contributing to the global literary canon.

These levels of language and language skills provide a framework for understanding the structure,
function, and use of language in human communication. They are essential for effective communication
and play a significant role in shaping individual and collective experiences within