Linguistics vs Literature
The primary distinction between linguistics and literature lies in their focus: linguistics is concerned with the systematic study of language, while literature focuses on written works within a language. Despite both having language as their foundation, their differences are rooted in structure and content.
What is Linguistics?
Linguistics is the systematic and scientific study of human languages, examining their structure, nature, organization, origin, contextual impact, cognitive and dialectical formation. Linguists study the systematic components of languages, their commonalities and differences, and the cognitive processes involved in language use.
Linguistics is comprised of several subfields, including phonetics (study of speech sounds’ physical nature), phonology (study of speech sounds’ cognitive nature), morphology (study of word formation), syntax (study of sentence formation), semantics (study of meaning), and pragmatics (study of language usage). Additionally, related disciplines such as psycholinguistics, sociolinguistics, dialectology, and ethno-linguistics are connected to linguistics.
What is Literature?
Literature encompasses written works across various genres, such as poetry, dramas, and novels. As a form of art, literature allows readers to explore different worlds and reflect on diverse issues. It is more than just a recitation of ordinary speech, as it contains artistic value.
Literature is divided into two main forms: prose (including dramas, novels, and short stories) and poetry (melodious and rhythmic works of art). Unlike linguistics, literature is not limited to a specific structure or relationship and has a broader scope. In English literature, works are divided into literary periods (e.g., Renaissance, Romantic, Victorian) for study purposes, with each period having its prominent writers, poets, and playwrights.
Key Takeaways
- Linguistics is a systematic, scientific study of language, focusing on its structure, nature, and organization, while literature examines written works within a language.
- Linguistics is more objective and scientific, with less room for subjective ideas, whereas literature is broader and more subjective in nature.
- Both linguistics and literature have language as their primary component, but they differ in their approaches and focus areas.
