What is duality of patterning in fundamental properties of languages?
Duality of patterning is a fundamental property of human languages that describes how language operates on two distinct levels: a lower level of meaningless elements (such as sounds or phonemes) and a higher level of meaningful units (such as words or morphemes). This property allows a finite set of sounds to combine in various ways to create an infinite number of meaningful expressions.
Key Points
Two Levels of Structure:
First Level (Phonemes): This is the level of basic, meaningless sounds or symbols. In spoken languages, these are phonemes (e.g., /p/, /t/, /a/). In sign languages, these are basic handshapes, movements, and locations.
Second Level (Morphemes/Words): This is the level of meaningful units. Phonemes combine to form morphemes (the smallest units of meaning, like “cat” or “un-“), which in turn combine to form words and sentences.
Productivity:
The duality of patterning allows for an incredible productivity of language. A finite number of phonemes can generate an infinite number of morphemes, words, and sentences.
Recursive and Combinatorial Nature:
Language can be infinitely recursive, meaning smaller units can combine to form larger units, which can in turn combine into even larger units. This combinatorial aspect is key to the richness and expressiveness of human language.
Examples of Duality of Patterning
English Phonemes to Words:
Phonemes: /k/, /æ/, /t/
Words: “cat”
The phonemes /k/, /æ/, /t/ combine to form the word “cat”.
Phonemes to Different Words:
Phonemes: /t/, /æ/, /k/
Words: “tack”
Rearranging the phonemes /t/, /æ/, /k/ forms a different word with a different meaning.
Chinese
Radicals and Characters:
Radicals: 木 (mu, wood), 水 (shui, water)
Characters: 森 (sen, forest) from 木, 河 (he, river) from 氵and 可.
Radicals combine to form more complex characters with distinct meanings.
Characters to Words:
Characters: 日 (ri, sun) + 本 (ben, root)
Words: 日本 (Ri-ben, Japan)
Characters combine to form words with more complex meanings.
Sign Language (ASL – American Sign Language)
Basic Units to Signs:
Handshapes: Flat hand, fist, index finger
Movements: Upward, downward, circular
Locations: Near the head, torso, hands
Signs: “mother” (open hand at chin), “father” (open hand at forehead)
Handshapes to Different Signs:
Handshapes: Index finger extended vs. fist
Movements: Upward vs. downward
Signs: “yes” (fist nodding) vs. “no” (index and middle fingers pinching together)
Navajo
Morphemes to Words:
Morphemes: Prefixes indicating aspect, mode, subject
Word: yishcha (I am laughing)
Prefixes combine with root verbs to create meaningful words.
Morphemes to Different Words:
Morphemes: Prefixes yi- (you), -sh- (I), -l- (we)
Words: yilcha (we are laughing) vs. yishcha (I am laughing)
Different prefixes change the subject of the verb.
Conclusion
Duality of patterning is a fundamental property that allows human languages to be incredibly versatile and expressive. By combining a limited set of meaningless elements into meaningful units, languages can generate an infinite number of sentences and ideas. This property underlies the complexity and creativity of human communication, setting it apart from other forms of animal communication.