What is the arbitrariness of fundamental properties of languages?

Arbitrariness is one of the fundamental properties of human languages. It refers to the lack of inherent connection between the signs (words, sounds, symbols) and their meanings. Here are some key points and examples to illustrate the concept of arbitrariness in language:

Key Points

No Intrinsic Link:

The sound of a word and its meaning are not intrinsically connected. For instance, the word “tree” in English, “arbre” in French, “árbol” in Spanish, and “shu” in Chinese (树) all refer to the same concept but sound completely different.

Cultural and Historical Variation:

Different cultures and historical periods develop their own arbitrary signs for the same concepts. The word “water” is “agua” in Spanish, “wasser” in German, and “mizu” in Japanese.

Flexibility and Change:

Arbitrariness allows for language to evolve and change over time. New words can be created, and meanings can shift. For example, “mouse” used to refer exclusively to the small rodent, but now also refers to a computer device.

Language Learning:

The arbitrary nature of language means that learning a language involves memorizing the associations between signs and their meanings. There is no logical reason why a “cat” should be called “cat” other than convention.

Examples of Arbitrariness

Cross-Linguistic Variation:

Dog: English – “dog”, Spanish – “perro”, French – “chien”, Japanese – “inu” (犬).

Book: English – “book”, Spanish – “libro”, French – “livre”, German – “Buch”.

Synonyms Within the Same Language:

Even within the same language, multiple words can have the same meaning without any logical reason for the difference. For instance, “big” and “large” both mean the same thing in English.

Sound Symbolism and Exceptions:

While most words are arbitrary, there are some exceptions known as sound symbolism, where the sound of a word might suggest its meaning. For instance, onomatopoeic words like “buzz”, “bang”, and “sizzle” mimic the sounds they describe. However, these are exceptions rather than the rule.

Language and Dialect Variation:

Different dialects of the same language can have different words for the same thing. In American English, it’s “elevator”, while in British English, it’s “lift”.

Impact of Arbitrariness

Communication Efficiency: Arbitrariness allows for a vast vocabulary, enabling precise and varied communication.

Creativity and Expression: It supports the creation of new words and expressions, contributing to the richness of a language.

Learning and Teaching: Understanding the arbitrary nature of language helps in the process of language learning and teaching, emphasizing the need for memorization and practice.

Conclusion

Arbitrariness is a foundational aspect of human language, highlighting the conventional nature of the links between words and their meanings. This property allows languages to be flexible, evolve over time, and vary widely across different cultures and communities.