Knowledge of the linguistic components of a language such as morphology, syntax, and semantics is known as what?

Knowledge of the linguistic components of a language such as morphology, syntax, and semantics is known as what?

• A. Linguistic competence
• B. Pragmatic competence
• C. Phonological knowledge
• D. Discourse skills

Answer: (A)

The main concept here is linguistic competence: a speaker’s knowledge of the structure of their language. This includes internalized rules for word formation (morphology), how words combine into sentences (syntax), and what sentences mean (semantics). This kind of knowledge lets a speaker both produce well-formed sentences and understand them, even new ones they haven’t heard before. Pragmatic competence, by contrast, is about using language effectively in social contexts—knowing how to say things appropriately, politely, or persuasively. Phonological knowledge concerns the sound system of a language, and discourse skills involve connecting ideas across longer stretches of talk or writing. The term that best matches knowing morphology, syntax, and semantics is linguistic competence.

The main concept here is linguistic competence: a speaker’s knowledge of the structure of their language. This includes internalized rules for word formation (morphology), how words combine into sentences (syntax), and what sentences mean (semantics). This kind of knowledge lets a speaker both produce well-formed sentences and understand them, even new ones they haven’t heard before.

Pragmatic competence, by contrast, is about using language effectively in social contexts—knowing how to say things appropriately, politely, or persuasively. Phonological knowledge concerns the sound system of a language, and discourse skills involve connecting ideas across longer stretches of talk or writing. The term that best matches knowing morphology, syntax, and semantics is linguistic competence.