Introduction to Linguistics (Upgrading)

Author: Yang Zhong, Editor-in-Chief
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2002-12-18
Features: Introduction to Linguistics is a textbook designed for secondary school English teachers advancing their undergraduate studies and for English majors. It aims to help readers grasp the fundamental concepts, theories, and methods of modern linguistics, sparking reflection on the nature of language, the process of language learning, and the principles of language teaching. In the 21st century, the trend of global economic integration will inevitably bring about new dynamics in international communication and cooperation. English, as the lingua franca of international communication, is gaining increasing importance across all sectors of society. English (as a foreign language) teaching has assumed an unprecedented position in China's academic, vocational, and continuing education systems. Since 2001, primary schools in cities at and above the county level have widely introduced English courses. Large-scale and efficient English teaching is grounded in the cultivation and training of highly skilled and professional English teachers. Listening, speaking, reading, writing, and translation skills are essential for English teaching, but they do not encompass the entire professional training for English teachers. Foreign language teaching is a systematic engineering composed of government decision-making, expert planning, teacher implementation, and social evaluation. Teachers face the direct challenge of how to teach. However, there is no fixed method for teaching; teachers must creatively design instructional steps based on numerous factors such as educational objectives, teaching targets, teaching content, and teaching resources. Teachers must not only consider how to teach but also why and what to teach. Language teachers should understand what language is, what constitutes language, how it functions, and how it is acquired. Research findings in linguistics offer valuable insights for language teachers. Foreign language teaching methods are the product of the integration of linguistic theory and teaching practice. With a solid foundation in linguistic theory, foreign language teachers can deeply understand teaching curricula and standards, master teaching materials, creatively organize classroom instruction, and enhance teaching effectiveness.