Which theoretical orientation is primarily concerned with the formal properties of language such as syntax and morphology?

Which theoretical orientation is primarily concerned with the formal properties of language such as syntax and morphology?

• A. Structural/Linguistic
• B. Affective/Interpersonal
• C. Functional/Communicative
• D. Cognitive

Answer: (A)

The main idea here is focusing on the formal structure of language—the rules and patterns that govern how sentences are built. The structural/linguistic orientation treats language as a system of form, emphasizing syntax (how sentences are arranged) and morphology (the formation of words and their internal structure). It analyzes how units combine and what counts as a grammatical arrangement, often downplaying meaning or use. In contrast, the affective/interpersonal approach centers on emotions and social aspects of communication, the functional/communicative approach looks at language in terms of its use and purposes in real interaction, and the cognitive approach considers the mental processes behind language learning and processing.

The main idea here is focusing on the formal structure of language—the rules and patterns that govern how sentences are built. The structural/linguistic orientation treats language as a system of form, emphasizing syntax (how sentences are arranged) and morphology (the formation of words and their internal structure). It analyzes how units combine and what counts as a grammatical arrangement, often downplaying meaning or use.

In contrast, the affective/interpersonal approach centers on emotions and social aspects of communication, the functional/communicative approach looks at language in terms of its use and purposes in real interaction, and the cognitive approach considers the mental processes behind language learning and processing.