Semantics

Morphology

Syntax

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

Language is a system of a（）vocal symbols used for human communication.

Modern linguistics is mostly prescriptive, but sometimes descriptive.

The study of meaning in language is known as semantics.

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.

The study of the ways in which morphemes can be combined to form words is called morphology.

Findings in linguistic studies can often be applied to the settlement of some practical problems. The study of such applications is generally known as a（）linguistics.