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Language is innate but complex. I have learned that although language is innate, there are still many aspects of language to know about. I realize that language is what makes us humans unique from animals. We use language for communication so we can understand each other. It serves as a foundation for transferring knowledge, building relationships, shaping, and preserving the culture across generations. Language is important in all aspects of life and without it, there will be no in-depth connection and civilization from all over the world.

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The Nature and Power of Language — A Reflection

On our first day in Linguistics, I gained a better understanding of what language is. I realized that language is not just something we use to talk. It is a complex and living part of being human. I learned that language is something we learn through time, by interacting with people and being exposed to it. This made me think about how important it is to use language meaningfully, not just memorize words or grammar rules.

I also learned that language is shaped by culture. It reflects our beliefs, values, and traditions. In return, language also helps shape the culture we live in. I came to understand that language is something only humans use in such a deep and creative way. That makes it both a special gift and a big responsibility.

One thing that stood out to me is that language is arbitrary. This means that the words we use only have meaning because we agree on them. It made me realize how strong the idea of shared understanding is in communication. I also learned that language follows rules, even though we don’t always notice it. These rules help us speak clearly and make sense to others. I was amazed to realize that language is also productive and creative. Even with a limited number of words, we can express endless ideas.

This first lesson made me appreciate how powerful language really is. It is not just for talking. It shapes who we are, helps us connect with others and allows us to understand the world around us.

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Language is a powerful tool in communication that connects culture and identity. With it, we express our thoughts, emotions and build relationships. It allows us to keep ancestral stories alive and carry forward the wisdom of generations. Without it, we wouldn’t only lose communication but also our identities.

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When I think about language, it should be in its application. It should shoulder an identity and label of a group/society/community.

It is embedded in their daily lives---it moves, adapts, and evolves in tandem with the people who speak it. There are stories within the language of people in fields of sports, education, entertainment, etc.

This is even present in minority groups that holds wonder in their rituals, communication, interaction with others, and the like.

Therefore, to understand language is to understand how it functions. It is not just how it sounds or is structured, but how it acts within a specific context, and how it represents and reinforces identity. Every word spoken, every dialect preserved, every code-switch performed — all of it reflects lived reality.

JHAEL L. ABUCEJO

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The Role of Language in Human Uniqueness

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The Role of Language in Human Uniqueness

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What makes language truly human is its productivity and displacement. We can create new sentences we’ve never heard before, and we can talk about things that aren’t physically present. No animal system can do that. Also, human language is cultural; we learn it from the people around us, not just by instinct. This made me realize that language is not just something we have; it’s something that sets us apart as humans. I used to only see language as just a tool for talking and writing. But now, I see it as one of the most powerful human abilities.

-MARY JASMIN S. ARANCO

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This linguistics class deepened my understanding of language not just as a tool for communication, but as a powerful human ability rooted in both the mind and culture. I learned that language is both innate and learned, we are born with the capacity to acquire it, but we develop it through interaction and experience. I realized that language is species-uniform, uniquely human, and essential in shaping thought, identity, and society. Concepts like speech communication, cognitive processing, animal communication, and the connection between language and culturemade me see how complex and meaningful our everyday use of language really is.

This class helped me reflect on how language is not only about speaking it’s about thinking, feeling, and being human.

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For me, language holds a powerful resonance. It's the imperceptible force that shapes our minds, a profound thread that weaves together our thoughts and feelings. It's powerful because it doesn't just describe the world—it actually shapes it. Our discussion today is testament of how powerful language could be, proving that language can be creative act of shared understanding.

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Today, I gained several key insights about the subject of Language. My classmates shared thoughtful perspectives—describing language as a tool for communication, an invisible thread that connects humanity, and a complex cognitive process. These discussions deepened my appreciation for language and its profound role in human life.

Personally, I find language deeply fascinating. It holds a dual nature—its yin and yang, its light and dark sides. It can be used to uplift and unite, or to divide and destroy. Language is a powerful force, and its impact depends entirely on how it is used.

Long before it became the structured system we know today, language began with the most basic elements: sounds, then words, then meanings, and eventually symbols. I believe language evolved not only for expression, but also as a vital tool for human survival.

As Dr. Gonzales asked us earlier, “What would humanity be without language?” I strongly agree with the idea that without it, we might not survive. To live in this world, we must communicate and form connections—because isolation can lead to vulnerability. Language allowed us to build communities, protect one another, and even care for other species and the environment. It ensured not just our survival, but the survival of life around us.

However, language is not inherently good or bad—it depends on how we use it. It can be used destructively, especially when it becomes a weapon for gossip or harm, such as in the case of the "Marites” who spread misinformation and stir conflict. This reminds us that words carry weight and consequences.

As author Margaret Atwood once said, “A word after a word after a word is power.” This quote resonates with me deeply. Language is not just about speaking—it is about influencing, building, and shaping the world we live in. When used with care and purpose, it becomes a tool for empowerment, connection, and transformation.

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I have learned that language is the heart of human communication. It allows us to express our thoughts and feelings with others. Without language everything is meaningless and we would not be able to understand ourselves fully. Simply, it connects us to people, cultures and the world.

Additionally, language has a lot of function. Aside from using it to give information, telling a stories and social interaction, language helps us think clearly and reflect on our own experiences. Whether we are greeting a friend, learning something new and imagining something creative, language is always the tool. Realizing how powerful language is reminds me to appreciate the words I use and how they help me connect others everyday. _Marie

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This first session of today's class reminded me that language is such an important tool that brings us together. Amidst our diverse cultures, preferences, and beliefs, language exists to help us unite as one community. It serves as a means of communication through which we express our ideas, feelings, and thoughts—whether verbal or non-verbal. Additionally, language is both arbitrary and natural; it continuously evolves depending on social and cultural contexts. From sounds to words to sentences, language forms meaningful ideas.
This session made me even more interested and excited to learn new things, especially about the structure of language.

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LINGUISTICS Day 1, from the screens of a disconnector

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LINGUISTICS Day 1, from the screens of a disconnector

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Unfortunately, this first meeting for this course didn't go as well as I thought it would for me due to my internet connectivity. I was in and out of the meet for the whole period, and there were moments when I couldn't see the PPT and the voices were robotic. Unfortunately (again), I am situated in a more mountainous area in Cebu City. However, I was able to catch up on some parts and discussions.

With everything I've heard, I was able to hear different insights and thoughts about language from different individuals, or should I say teachers? It's just like undergrad once again, but better as I am surrounded by excellent professionals and an encouraging mentor. Though the internet problem persisted towards the end, I couldn't just give up on trying to get in because then I was able to still learn a lot. Graduating last year, and with everything that transpired since then, my fascination towards language sort of remained on a shelf, collecting dusts. This specific class then reignited what once drove me to pursue the field of English.

It is interesting how linguists claim that language is human specific, directly comparing the quality of the way we communicate from the way animals do. I do believe animals have communication signals, and that in itself is already a language. Animals, not being able to develop a system as complex as human language, has its purpose. To me, it all boils down to innateness. Aside from this thought, I also was able to listen in on the discussion about the characteristics of language. Isn't it remarkable how one has studied language for years and yet every time we learn more about it, we come to ask ourselves how much have we really covered after all those years? That is what it felt like, trying to stay afloat in my unstable internet connectivity, and hearing so much insights from everyone. There really is still so much to learn about language.

So many thoughts came through me but unfortunately I was joining this class as a disconnector today (I definitely am going to do something about this internet connection.) I do look forward thought, to finally share my piece next meeting as much as I am looking forward to hearing everyone's and Dr. Gonzales'

- Rheannette Asentista (the disconnector)

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Based from the discussion that we had today, I have learned that language is significant to humans in terms of communicating our thoughts, feelings, and opinions and in creating meaningful relationships with the people around us. Furthermore, as linguists or students learning the language, there is a necessity to study it in a deeper sense because there's more to language that we don't know yet. It's complexity amazes me and I am enthusiastic to dig deeper the beauty of language because learning such thing is beneficial not just for academic success but for the survival of the human race. Therefore, language is equally important as breathing because it gives us purpose in life be it creating shared understanding or using it as a tool to succeed our academic endeavors in life.

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Today’s topic discussion is informative and interesting for me. Though I have graduated having English as my major subject, I know for myself that my skills and capability in using this language isn’t enough. I have learned so much from you Doc as well as from my classmates. I am astonished listening to your answers and elaborations on the topic being discussed earlier. The topic discussed today made me more interested to study further and learn more about the English language. It was also an awakening on my part that language is only for humans while animals only communicate and that they are two entirely different thoughts. It made me realize that language is indeed complex but somehow it made connections and communications among human beings and other races possible. Its complexity is what makes it more beautiful and interesting. Looking forward to learning more.

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As I reflect on our discussion today, I have come to see that language is more than communication, it is a living, evolving system that shapes how I think, connect, and understand the world. It allows me to express feelings, ask questions, and imagine new possibilities. Its creativity and symbolic nature show that meaning is something we build together. Most of all, I now understand that language reflects my identity and culture, making it both deeply personal and uniquely human. These qualities set us apart from all other beings.

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I feel grateful to be a part of this class and I have learned a lot already about language. Language is a complex tool we use to communicate and express ourselves, but it also goes beyond that. What struck me the most for today’s class is how language is culture-defined. Language and culture co-exist and one wouldn’t foster without the other as culture shapes our behaviors and personalities that are expressed through language. I am looking forward to learning more in the coming meetings.

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Today’s lesson refreshed and reawakened my understanding of how unique, vast, and essential language is, not just as a teacher, but as a human being. As the only species capable of complex communication, we use language to share ideas, build relationships, and connect globally. This discussion made me reflect on how we, as educators, can help students grasp the power of language, not only for their growth and development but also as a vital skill.

I now see language as gold—rich, captivating, and invaluable.

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I have learned a lot of things about language, its nature, and characteristics and it was an insightful journey. At first, I found the subject with a somewhat simplistic understanding, viewing language only as a tool for communication. However, the course broadened my perspective. We delved into the complexities of language acquisition and exploring the innate human capacity for language. The discussions on the nature of language challenged my assumptions, highlighting its symbolic, arbitrary, and rule-governed nature. It deepened my understanding of language, moving beyond a superficial view to a more comprehensive appreciation of its complexities. The course has equipped me with a solid foundation in linguistic theory and analysis, which I believe will be invaluable in my future endeavors.

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Language for me is a reflection of who I am as a person. The way I speak, I construct my words, communicate differently and specifically with others, reflect who I am when I'm with my family, with my students, with my close friends, and with other people. I can express myself fully through language. I also agree on language being human-specific; that in a way, only human can use language to inform, persuade, and entertain. Overall, I find language a beautiful concept that we, individuals, have.

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Language, to me, is an essential medium through which human thought, emotion, and identity are expressed and understood. It functions not only as a tool for communication but also as a foundation for building relationships, preserving culture, and transmitting knowledge across generations. Through language, individuals are able to articulate their ideas, connect with others, and participate meaningfully in society. In its absence, the depth of human interaction and the development of civilization would be significantly hindered.

-Shazny

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This made me ponder and understand why humans are regarded as intelligent beings incomparable to other animals as we are capable of thought processes. We use language driven to communicate and understand one another. To be able to receive communication through language and analyze and understand and react or respond to the communication is a human quality.