(Paper) Microlinguistics and Macrolinguistics
(Paper) Microlinguistics and Macrolinguistics
(Paper) Microlinguistics and Macrolinguistics
WRITTEN BY:
2023
PREFACE
Praise be to Allah SWT who gave His grace and guidance for the author to
complete this paper titled "Microlinguistics and Macrolinguistics". This paper is
prepared to fulfil the assignment of the Introduction to General Linguistics course
at State Islamic University of North Sumatra.
The author is aware that this paper is far from perfect. Therefore, the author
expects constructive criticism and suggestions from the readers. It is hoped that
this paper will be useful to readers in understanding microlinguistics and
macrolinguistics. Finally, the author would like to thank all those who helped in
the preparation of this paper.
Fifth Group
i
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PREFACE
CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION
A. Background ................................................................................................ 1
B. Problem Formulation ................................................................................ 1
C. Purpose ........................................................................................................ 2
CHAPTER II
DISCUSSION
A. MICROLINGUISTICS ............................................................................. 3
1. Definition of Microlinguistic ............................................................... 3
2. Branches of Microlinguistic ................................................................ 3
3. Application of Microlinguistic ............................................................ 4
B. MACROLINGUISTICS ............................................................................ 7
1. Definition of Macrolinguistic .............................................................. 7
2. Branches of Macrolinguistic ............................................................... 9
3. Application of Macrolinguistic ........................................................... 13
C. RELATING MACROLINGUISTIC TO MICROLINGUISTIC .......... 14
CHAPTER III
CLOSING
A. Conclusion .................................................................................................. 16
REFERENCES
ii
CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION
A. Background
Kridalaksana (1984) Articulated the perspective that the linguistic field can be
categorized into two main domains, commonly referred to as macrolinguistics and
microlinguistics. Microlinguistics, also known as micro linguistics, is a
specialized branch of linguistics with a particular focus on exploring the internal
structure of a particular language. This particular application focuses on doing
analysis within the confines of the language itself, which includes aspects related
to its properties, structural attributes, and underlying mechanisms.
Microlinguistics can be further divided into two separate subject fields: general
microlinguistics and microlinguistics adapted to specific languages. General
microlinguistics includes a comprehensive examination of different aspects of
language, including phonology (sound patterns), morphology (word structure),
syntax (sentence structure), semantics (word and sentence meaning), and others.
In other words, the branch of microlinguistics that concentrates on individual
languages are concerned with activities such as descriptive linguistics, historical
linguistics, comparative linguistics, historical-comparative linguistics, diachronic
linguistics, synchronic linguistics, and contrastive linguistics.
In essence, the maturity of the field of linguistics is a reflection of its capacity
to adapt and attend to many different research subjects, while sticking to diverse
methodologies.1
B. Problem Formulation
1. What are the definitions of micro and macrolinguistics?
2. What are branches of micro and macrolinguistics?
3. How to application of micro and macrolinguistics?
4. How to understand the relation of micro and macrolinguistics?
1
Kridalaksana, Harimurti. 1984. Kamus Linguistik. Jakarta: PT Gramedia
1
C. Purpose
To know what are the definitions of micro and macrolinguistics, what are
the branches of micro and macrolinguistics, how to application micro and
macrolinguistics, and understand the relation of micro and macrolinguistics.
2
CHAPTER II
DISCUSSION
A. MICROLINGUISTICS
1. Definition of Microlinguistic
Microlinguistics is a branch of linguistics that studies the intricate details
of language, focusing on words, sounds and gestures. Its main concern lies in
analyzing the overall structure of language, covering areas such as phonetics,
phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, and pragmatics. One of the
fundamental aspects of microlinguistics is its descriptive nature, as linguists
aim to explain and clarify the features of language without passing subjective
judgments about their quality or correctness.
The importance of microlinguistics becomes clear when we consider its
role in establishing a basic understanding of how language operates and
functions in communication. In addition, microlinguistics helps uncover the
processes involved in language acquisition, both for children and adults, as
well as the cognitive mechanisms underlying language use. Beyond academic
research, microlinguistics finds practical applications in areas such as
language teaching, speech therapy, and the development of natural language
processing algorithms in computer science.
In short, microlinguistics becomes an application used to examine and
understand language very deeply and accurately, even at the smallest level. In
this way, we can analyze language into its smallest elements to understand
how everything functions in more detail.2
2. Branches of Microlinguistic
Microlinguistics is a substudy within the study of language that focuses on
in-depth analysis at the level of individual components within a language.
Below, I will detail some of the main branches of microlinguistics.
2
Vocroix, L. (2021). Morphology in micro linguistics and macro linguistics.Macrolinguistics and
Microlinguistics,2(1), 1–20.
3
Phonology: Phonology is the part of microlinguistics that focused on
studying the sound system in language. It includes the identification and
analysis of phonemes, which are the smallest units of sound that have a role
in distinguishing the meaning of words. Phonology helps in understanding
how these sounds are organized in language and impact the understanding of
meaning.
Morphology: Morphology is the branch that looks at the structure of word
formation in language. It involves the concept of morphemes, which are the
smallest units that carry meaning.
Syntax: Microlinguistic syntax focuses on sentence structure. It involves
the study of how words are arranged in an appropriate order in a sentence and
how the relationship between the words affects meaning.
Semantics: Semantics is the study of the meaning of words and sentences.
It addresses the way words and sentences carry meaning as well as how this
meaning can change in various contexts.
Through understanding these branches, we can explore and understand the
fundamental elements of language, from its smallest components to their role
in meaning formation and communication.3
3. Application of Microlinguistic
3
Verhaar, J. W. M. (1990). Asas-asas linguistik umum. Gramedia.
4
applications in everyday life, both academic and practical. Here are some
examples of microlinguistic applications.
1. Language learning
a. Child language learning
Microlinguistics has been used to explain the stages of language
development in children. Using microlinguistic research, we can explain the
process children undergo to learn new words, sentence formation, and
comprehension of language.
5
structure of these languages, microlinguistic research can provide insight into how
they differ from natural languages.
1. Translation
Microlinguistics can enhance translation quality by providing insights into the
differences in language structures between the source and target languages.
Studies in microlinguistics can aid in developing effective translation techniques
to overcome these disparities. Microlinguistics can enhance translation quality by
providing insights into the differences in language structures between the source
and target languages. A method based on linguistic theory is one example of how
microlinguistics can be applied in translation. This methodology enables the
translator to methodically grasp the structure of both source and target languages.
An additional example is the implementation of methods derived from the
translator's experience, which fosters capability in translating various texts.
2. Dictionary creation
Microlinguistics can be employed for the creation of more precise and
thorough dictionaries. Microlinguistic research findings can furnish interpretations
of the meaning of words, both in grammatical and lexical senses, and thus can be
instrumental in crafting more systematic and accurate dictionary editing
techniques. One instance of the application of microlinguistics in dictionary
creation is the use of a data-driven analysis method. The method assists dictionary
editors in procuring precise data on word meanings. Another example is the
utilization of linguistic theory-based methods. This approach aids editors of
dictionaries in comprehending the correlation between language structure and
word meaning.
6
3. Artificial language development
Microlinguistics can be employed to create more natural and user-friendly
artificial languages. Microlinguistic research results can clarify the structures of
natural languages and develop algorithms for generating artificial languages that
resemble natural ones. The application of microlinguistics in creating artificial
languages includes using linguistic theory-based approaches as an example. These
methods aid in the systematic comprehension of the structure of natural language
by artificial language developers. Another example is the utilization of
experiment-based methods, which assist in testing hypotheses regarding the
development of artificial language.
B. MACROLINGUISTICS
1. Definition of Macrolinguistic
Macrolinguistics is a branch of linguistics that discusses the application of
various scientific discoveries in the field of linguistics. The purpose of
macrolinguistics is to solve problems related to language in society. 5 The
introduction of macrolinguistics began in the 1940s, which was the initial
period of publishing machine-translated writings. The development of
macrolinguistics was initiated by various foreign language teaching activities,
which then developed the relationship between linguistics and psychology
during the period 1940-1960. Since 1960, macrolinguistics has become a tool
in the development of various language research models capable of producing
language pedagogy. Macrolinguistics is a part of linguistics. The field of
applied linguistics is a scientific discipline with close links to linguistics.6 Its
core purpose is to examine the use of language as a corpus pertaining to
morphology, syntax, and semantics. Its primary focus is on psycholinguistics
4
Abidin, Yunus. 2019. Konsep Dasar Bahasa Indonesia. Jakarta. Bumi Aksara.
5
Siminto (2013). Irawati, Retno Purnama, ed. Pengantar Linguistik (PDF). Semarang: Penerbit
Cipta Prima Nusantara Semarang. hlm. 29.
6
Azwardi (2018). Bahry, Rajab, ed. Metode Penelitian: Pendidikan Bahasa dan Sastra Indonesia.
Banda Aceh: Syiah Kuala University Press. hlm. 93. ISBN 978-602-5679-44-5.
7
and sociolinguistics. The language used is objective and value-free, and
technical terms are used consistently throughout. The text adheres to
conventional formatting and structure, with clear and concise language used
throughout. In addition, applied linguistics examines translation, forensic
linguistics, computational linguistics, graphology, lexicography,
neurolinguistics, applied phonetics, and language education. The primary
focus of applied linguists is on the similarity of language aspects at a given
time, disregarding historical aspects. The advantages of applied linguistic
studies are often apparent in translation, literacy, and medicine.
The development of applied linguistics took place in the late 19th and
early 20th centuries, prompted by the exploration of feasible applications of
linguistics in different scientific domains by scholars in the United States and
Western Europe. In 1946, the University of Michigan identified "applied
linguistics" as an autonomous course and established a distinct department for
its study. The term applied linguistics underwent semantic evolution with the
emergence of automatic translation technology in the late 1950s and early
1960s. As early as 1962, the Council of Europe aimed to establish an
association for applied linguistics, which came to fruition in 1964 with the
establishment of the International Association of Applied Linguistics
(Association Internationale de Linguistique Appliquée) and its inaugural
conference in Nancy, France.
Meanwhile, during the 1950s, Charles Carpenter Fries and his colleagues
at Yale University and Cornell University compiled teaching materials that
applied linguistic analysis to teaching English as a foreign language. The
teaching material was developed based on the fundamental principles of
applied linguistics. This combination resulted in a scientific approach to
teaching language. This teaching material is significant because linguistic
scholars currently hold a vital role in developing professionals in the
language teaching sector.7
7
Akasahtia, Lukman Taufik (2021). Marhani, Irfan, ed. Strategi Pembelajaran Bahasa Arab:
(Menggelitik PAKEM) Pembelajaran Aktif, Kreatif, Efektif dan Menyenangkan. Bengkalis:
DOTPLUS Publisher. hlm. 115. ISBN 978-623-96347-7-3.
8
2. Branches of Macrolinguistic
1. Psycholinguistics
2. Sociolinguistics
8
Yendra (2018). Mengenal Ilmu Bahasa (Linguistik). Sleman: Deepublish. hlm. 54. ISBN 978-
602-453-782-1.
9
Harras , K. A., dan Bachari, A. D. (2009). Dasar-Dasar Psikolinguistik (PDF). UPI Press. hlm.
5–6. ISBN 979-378-906-9.
9
society. 10 The main focus of sociolinguistics is language in relation to social
conditions. The scope of sociolinguistics narrowly includes the study of the use of
language as a tool to convey thoughts and feelings through certain codes during
social interactions between people. While in a broad sense, sociolinguistics is
concerned with speakers, listeners, code topics, and the message conveyed in a
conversation.
3. Ethnolinguistics
4. Neurolinguistics
10
Departemen Pendidikan dan Kebudayaan (1995). Sosiolinguistik (PDF). Diterjemahkan oleh
Rochayah dan Djamil, M. Jakarta: Pusat Pembinaan dan Pengembangan Bahasa. hlm. 1. ISBN
979-459-571-3.
11
Nasution, Sahkholid (2017). Kholison, Moh., ed. Pengantar Linguistik Bahasa Arab (PDF).
Sidoarjo: CV. Lisan Arabi. hlm. 11–12. ISBN 978-602-70113-8-0.
10
philosophy is interpretive with postmodernism."12 Studies in neurolinguistics are
concerned with the relationship between language and the brain. Neurolinguistics
builds on the concepts and techniques of psycholinguistics, neuoranatomy,
medicine, and artificial intelligence.
5. Computational Linguistics
6. Forensic linguistics
7. Educational linguistics
12
Hamidah (2017). Filsafat Pembelajaran Bahasa: Perspektif Strukturalisme dan Pragmatisme
(PDF). Bantul: Naila Pustaka. hlm. 4. ISBN 978-602-1290-43-9.
13
Iqbal, M., Azwardi, dan Taib R. (2017). Linguistik Umum. Banda Aceh: Syiah Kuala University
Press. hlm. 33. ISBN 978-602-5679-00-1.
14
Rokhman, F., dan Surahmat (2019). Azzahrah, Faatimah, ed. Linguistik Disruptif: Pendekatan
Kekinian Memahami Perkembangan Bahasa. Jakarta: Bumi Aksara. hlm. 49. ISBN 978-602-444-
737-3.
15
Heriyadi, Wahyu (2015). Imelda, ed. Bahasa dan Hukum. Ciamis: Kéntja Press. hlm. 37. ISBN
978-602-72957-4-2.
11
scientific basis is linguistic theories, 16 which are generated by microlinguistics
and macrolinguistics. From microlinguistics, educational linguistics studies
semantics, morphology, and phonology. From macrolinguistics, educational
linguistics studies language history, psycholinguistics, sociolinguistics, and
linguistic anthropology. In addition, educational linguistics also studies
psychology, sociology, and educational theory, which are included in the scope of
macrolinguistics.
8. Lexicography
9. Stylistics
16
Arwana, Nengah (2008). Wawasan Linguistik dan Pengajaran Bahasa (PDF). Denpasar: Pelawa
Sari. hlm. 119. ISBN 978-979-17302-6-6.
17
Markhamah dan Sabardila, A. (2014). Analisis Kesalahan dan Karakteristik Bentuk Pasif.
Surakarta: Muhammadiyah University Press. hlm. 28. ISBN 978-602-70429-3-3.
18
Siswono (2014). Teori dan Praktik Diksi, Gaya Bahasa, dan Pencitraan. Sleman: Deepublish.
hlm. 29. ISBN 978-602-280-398-0.
12
3. Application of Macrolinguistic
1. Translation
2. Sociolinguistics
In applied linguistics, the field of language pedagogy stands out with its
extensive development, compared to other fields. The surge in its development
can be attributed to its high marketability in society. 21 Language pedagogy
19
Pateda, Mansoer. (2011). Linguistik : sebuah pengantar. Bandung : Angkasa
20
Said, Mashadi (2019). Arifin, Zaenal, ed. Penerjemahan: Teori dan Praktik (PDF). Tangerang:
PT Pustaka Mandiri. hlm. 2. ISBN 978-602-359-041-4.
21
Makinuddin, Mohammad (2021). Maftuh, ed. Strategi Pembentukan Lingkungan Bahasa Arab
di Pesantren. Lamongan: Academia Publication. hlm. 74. ISBN 978-623-96392-2-8.
13
encompasses both native language teaching and foreign language teaching, with
the target of providing expertise in speaking, listening, reading, and writing.
Productive skills include speaking and listening while receptive skills comprise of
reading and writing. The effectiveness of language instruction is determined by
the order of proficiency instruction, beginning with speaking, then listening,
reading, and writing. In the realm of language instruction, psycholinguistics,
pragmatics, and sociolinguistics are utilized for practical solutions. Abbreviations
for technical terms will be explained at their first use.
One typical approach is the reading method, created by Coleman and his
associates in 1929, which concentrates on reading activities. This approach is
commonly implemented in schools and colleges across the United States and
Europe. It is regarded as a more practical language teaching method that caters to
learners' needs. The reading method also incorporates limited writing and
speaking exercises within a set timeframe.22
22
Ahmadi dan Ilmiani, A. M. (2020). Hamidah, ed. Metodologi Pembelajaran Bahasa Arab:
Konvensial hingga Era Digital (PDF). Yogyakarta: Ruas Media. hlm. 44. ISBN 978-623-7735-13-
7.
14
language works at a structural level, while macrolinguistics takes us into the
social environment where language is used. For example, in understanding
changes in word usage or regional accent differences, we need to combine an
understanding of phonology and morphology (microlinguistics) with an
understanding of cultural and cultural context (macrolinguistics).23
23
Crystal, D. (1997). English as a Global Language. Cambridge University Press.
15
CHAPTER III
CLOSING
A. Conclusion
Microlinguistics is a part of language study that focuses on understanding
the details of complex language elements, such as words, sounds and
gestures. It also helps us understand how the process of language acquisition
occurs, both in children and adults, and how our minds use language.
The application of microlinguistics involves an in-depth analysis of
language elements at the micro level, such as language sounds (phonology),
word structure (morphology), grammar (syntax), word meaning (semantics),
and language use in the context of communication (pragmatics).
In its essence, microlinguistics is the basic study of linguistics because it
understands the internal structure of language. Moreover, microlinguistics has
wide relevance in everyday life, being used in both academic and practical
contexts. For example, it helps us understand how children learn language.
16
REFERENCES
Abidin, Yunus. (2019). Konsep Dasar Bahasa Indonesia. Jakarta: Bumi Aksara.
Iqbal, M., Azwardi, & Taib R. (2017). Linguistik Umum. Banda Aceh: Syiah
Kuala University Press.
17
Pateda, Mansoer. (2011). Linguistik : sebuah pengantar. Bandung: Angkasa.
Siswono. (2014). Teori dan Praktik Diksi, Gaya Bahasa, dan Pencitraan. Sleman:
Deepublish.
18