The characteristics of a language include its ability to convey meaning through referential signals, conventional use of these signals, and grammatical structure, which can emerge rapidly through social interaction.

Key Insights

• Referential Signals:
  • Language systems use referential signals to denote objects, actions, and abstract concepts. These signals are essential for effective communication
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• Conventional Use:
  • Over time, the use of these signals becomes conventionalized, meaning that they are consistently used and understood within a community
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• Grammatical Structure:
  • As the need to communicate more complex meanings arises, languages develop grammatical structures to organize these signals effectively
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• Emergence Through Interaction:
  • New communication systems can emerge rapidly out of social interaction, as demonstrated by children creating structured gestural codes in controlled settings
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Conclusion

Language is characterized by its use of referential signals, conventionalization, and grammatical structure, all of which can emerge quickly through social interaction, highlighting the dynamic and adaptive nature of human communication systems.