Introduction to Linguistics: And the Characteristics of Languages

This language is the subject matter of linguistics. The first step in scientifically discussing this language is to collect data about it and record it. Data are collected from spoken and written languages as needed, although modern linguistics tends to favor spoken language.A trained linguist can collect information about spoken language by listening to it and using memory; in most cases, that information is recorded using a special type of International Phonetic Alphabet created according to linguistic methods, and it is very easy to record on tape. Written records in that language—such as ancient manuscripts, inscriptions, old books, and statues—are used to discuss ancient languages. Information about different aspects of language, such as sound patterns and pronunciation processes, is collected with the help of devices like the kymograph, artificial palate, and X-ray photography. In this way, in the second phase of linguistics, information on various aspects of the language is collected, given a proper description, and analyzed.