.::Reflection on Topic 1 : Language and Communication::.

For topic 1, we have learn much about language and question itself. After completing this topic, we should be able to compare the features of language and communication. We also will be able to assess own language progress through reflections/journals. In this topic, we will be thought about a variety of subtopics. There are definition of language, language and culture, functions of language, non-verbal communication, speech and writing and last but not least English language in Malaysia. We have been give a tutorial task in group of 5. We need to discuss on how Malaysian culture affects English Language considering different factors which are multicultural society-major ethnic groups and dialect groups, urban and rural settings, political/historical influence and educational policies. my group will be presented the second factor which is urban and rural settings.


Linguistic is a systematic study of laguage. It covers phonology (the sound system), morphology and syntax (form and function i.e. the grammar of language) and lexis and semantics ( the meaning system)


Language is a code that allows us to represent thoughts and ideas by means of sounds/letters which has complex symbols with internal structure which is rule-governed.


Languagea is a code. Each word of a language is a symbol, a sequence of sounds or letters which has a particular meaning. For example: A "manggo" can be easily be called "amber".


Linguistics symbols have function and form. Words are put together to make phrases and sentence which have a structure. Structure of words in a sentence is:

• linear - a particular set of units in a particular order 
• hierarchical - one unit is made up of units lower down on the hierarchy (three or box diagram)

Linguistics units are contructed according to rules. There are spelling, grammatical rules which determine how words fit into sentences. These rules are descriptive - describe regularities in the structure of a language.


Language is specifically human. Every human language language uses sound to encode meaning. The sound sequence are known as words. These words have grammatical classes and can be combined into phrases, sentences, questions, etc.


Language use is creative. The rules of language allow us to put words together in many different/new ways.


Language use is constrained by culture. Language rules allow us much freedom to say whatever we like external factors often place constraints on this freedom.

• Speaker-particular style of speech
• Audience-style changes with audience type & speaker's purpose
• Dialect-colloquial, informal style
• Mode-oral or written
• Media-letter, SMS, book, radio
• Register-occupation, status,age,gender

We also have done a role-play in the class using the dialogue that we made ourselves consist of language functions for our ISL. We also do a non-verbal communication in the class.

Communication consist 2 process which are encoding(speaking,writing) and decoding(listening, reading) involving sender and receiver. It also have two type which are voal and non-vocal.

We also discuss together in the class about the issues of English education in Malaysia. There are so many thing that i have learned from this topic that I can use to teach in school later. Next is Topic 2. Enjoy it..