Human capacity for language has a g（）basis, but the details of language have to be taught and learned.

The distinction between competence and performance was proposed by F. de Saussure.

Semantics

Pragmatics

A diachronic study of language is the description of language at some point in time.

Modern linguistics is mostly prescriptive, but sometimes descriptive.

Syntax

P （）refers to the realization of langue in actual use.

Chomsky defines “competence” as the ideal user’s k（）of the rules of his language.

Language is p（）in that it makes possible the construction and interpretation of new signals by its users. In other words, they can produce and understand an infinitely large number of sentences which they have never heard before.