Based on the provided reference, a structured approach, specifically termed a Structural approach in the context of language study, is a methodical way of examining language by focusing on its individual components in detail.
Defining the Structural Approach in Language Study
As described in the reference: "Structural approach is an approach in the study of language that emphasizes the examination of language in very detailed manner." This means it involves breaking down language into its constituent parts and analyzing them systematically.
Considered a traditional approach, this method delves deep into the composition of language rather than focusing solely on meaning in isolation or usage in broad contexts.
Key Language Components Examined
The structural approach scrutinizes various aspects of language. The reference highlights several key language products or components that are subject to this detailed examination:
- Sounds: Analyzing phonetics and phonology (how sounds are produced, categorized, and function within a language).
- Morphemes: Studying the smallest units of meaning in language (e.g., breaking down 'unbreakable' into 'un-', 'break', '-able').
- Words: Examining vocabulary, word formation (morphology), and word classes (nouns, verbs, etc.).
- Sentences: Analyzing syntax – the rules governing how words combine to form grammatically correct sentences.
- Vocabulary: Studying word lists, meanings, and relationships between words.
This focus on discrete elements allows for a granular understanding of how language is built and how its parts interact.
Why This Approach is Structured
The term "structured" in this context refers to the analytical method itself. It involves:
- Decomposition: Breaking the complex entity (language) into simpler, manageable parts.
- Systematic Analysis: Examining these parts according to established rules or principles.
- Focus on Internal Structure: Investigating the relationships within the language system, such as how morphemes form words, how words form sentences, and how sounds pattern.
This systematic and detailed breakdown is what defines it as a structured approach within the domain of language study.
