Key structures of natural language

HL content: Modeling & Simulation

Introduction

The key structures (which you must know for the IB are):

Noun

A noun is a word that functions as the name of some specific thing or set of things, such as living creatures, objects, places, actions, qualities, states of existence, or ideas. Linguistically, a noun is a member of a large, open part of speech whose members can occur as the main word in the subject of a clause, the object of a verb, or the object of a preposition.

Verb

A verb is a word (part of speech) that in syntax conveys an action (bring, read, walk, run, learn), an occurrence (happen, become), or a state of being (be, exist, stand).

Syntax

In linguistics, syntax is the set of rules, principles, and processes that govern the structure of sentences (sentence structure) in a given language, usually including word order.

Semantics

Semantics is the linguistic and philosophical study of meaning, in language, programming languages, formal logics, and semiotics. It is concerned with the relationship between signifiers—like words, phrases, signs, and symbols—and what they stand for in reality, their denotation.

Standards

• Identify the key structures of natural language.

Give a specific name, value or other brief answer without explanation or calculation.

Devote time and attention to gaining knowledge of (an academic subject), especially by means of books

Provide an answer from a number of possibilities. Recognize and state briefly a distinguishing fact or feature.