Unit: The Nature and Structure of
Human Language
Unit Overview
This unit introduces students to the scientific study of language, focusing on the
fundamental characteristics that distinguish human language from other forms of
communication. Students will explore the five core elements of language (phonology,
morphology, syntax, semantics, pragmatics), examine how language evolves, and reflect on
how linguistic diversity challenges assumptions about “standard” language.
Learning Objectives
Explain the distinguishing characteristics of human language, including its symbolic,
rule-governed, and generative nature.
Differentiate between phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, and pragmatics.
Recognize the arbitrary, ambiguous, and abstract qualities of language.
Apply linguistic concepts to analyze examples from their own and other languages.
Understand that all language varieties are complex and rule-governed, and reflect on
biases in “standard language” ideology.
Key Concepts
Linguistics: The scientific study of language.
Descriptive vs. Prescriptive Grammar: Analyzing language as it is used versus
prescribing “correct” usage.
Language is symbolic: Words/gestures represent concepts but have no inherent
meaning.
Language is systematic: Languages follow grammatical rules for combining
sounds/words.
Language is generative: Speakers can produce and understand an infinite number of
new sentences.
Day-to-Day Lesson Plan
Day 1 – What is Language?
Section Details
Objective Identify what makes human language
unique.
Activities (5 min) Journal prompt: “What is language?
How do humans use it differently than
animals?”
(10 min) Group share + discussion.
(20 min) Mini-lecture with examples:
symbolic, rule-governed, generative
qualities.
(10 min) Quick practice: Rearrange
jumbled words (Boy ball the kicked the).
(5 min) Exit ticket: One way language is
different from animal communication.
Homework Read handout on 'Language vs.
Communication' and write 3 questions.
Day 2 – Symbolic, Rule-Governed, Generative
Section Details
Objective Apply the three core qualities of language.
Activities (10 min) Review homework questions in
pairs.
(15 min) Symbolic: Brainstorm everyday
symbols → connect to words as arbitrary
signs.
(15 min) Rule-governed: Sentence sort
activity.
(10 min) Generative: Expand a simple
sentence.
Homework Write a paragraph comparing human and
animal communication.
Day 3 – The Sounds of Language (Phonology I)
Section Details
Objective Explain phonemes and minimal pairs.
Activities (5 min) Warm-up: “pat/bat.”
(15 min) Define phonology + phoneme.
(20 min) Minimal pairs practice.
(10 min) Discussion on sound difficulty in
other languages.
Homework Find 3 minimal pairs in English or another
language.
Day 4 – The Sounds of Language (Phonology II)
Section Details
Objective Compare phonology across languages.
Activities (10 min) Share homework minimal pairs.
(15 min) Cross-linguistic examples.
(15 min) Slang/pronunciation changes.
(10 min) Reflection on “sloppy speech.”
Homework Interview a family member about a slang
word from their teen years.
Day 5 – The Shape of Words (Morphology I)
Section Details
Objective Identify free and bound morphemes.
Activities (5 min) Share slang words from homework.
(10 min) Intro to morphology +
morphemes.
(20 min) Morpheme sort activity.
(15 min) Word-building challenge.
Homework Find 3 words, break into morphemes.
Day 6 – The Shape of Words (Morphology II)
Section Details
Objective Explore word formation and evolution.
Activities (10 min) Share homework words.
(15 min) Examples of new words (adulting,
googling).
(20 min) Class discussion on word
formation.
(10 min) Reflection on personal word use.
Homework Read article on 'Word of the Year' and
react.
Day 7 – The Structure of Sentences (Syntax I)
Section Details
Objective Explain how word order creates meaning.
Activities (5 min) Warm-up: Rearrange words.
(15 min) Define syntax + examples.
(20 min) Grammaticality judgments.
(10 min) Reflection on non-standard
varieties.
Homework Write 3 slang sentences and explain syntax.
Day 8 – The Structure of Sentences (Syntax II)
Section Details
Objective Visualize sentence structure.
Activities (10 min) Share slang syntax homework.
(15 min) Intro to diagrams.
(20 min) Guided practice diagramming.
(10 min) Independent diagramming.
Homework Diagram 2 sentences from text or social
media.
Day 9 – Meaning in Context (Semantics & Pragmatics)
Section Details
Objective Differentiate semantics (literal) vs.
pragmatics (context).
Activities (10 min) Warm-up: Word with multiple
meanings.
(15 min) Semantics vs. pragmatics
examples.
(15 min) Triangle of Meaning activity.
(10 min) Dialogue analysis (sarcasm,
implied meaning).
Homework Write a short dialogue with pragmatic
meaning.
Day 10 – Language, Power, and Change
Section Details
Objective Reflect on language as cultural, social, and
evolving.
Activities (10 min) Share dialogue homework.
(15 min) Language & worldview
discussion.
(15 min) Language & society activity.
(10 min) Language change examples (Old
English, slang).
Final Project Launch.
Homework Draft proposal for final project.