linguistic unit
- noun
- /lɪŋˈɡwɪstɪk ˈjunɪt/
- Specialized
:
unidad lingüística
- In language studies, a linguistic unit can be a single word that conveys a complete idea.
Examples
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Phonetics examines the smallest linguistic units, such as individual sounds, in spoken language.
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Researchers often analyze how different linguistic units function within a sentence to convey meaning.
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The idea behind this criterion is that the linguistic units are not simply statements.
Academic text (2018) -
Language level refers to the size of the linguistic unit to be manipulated by an examinee.
Academic text (2014) -
Any repetition of words, sentences, or, in Ehrlich's case, events points back to an initial mention of the same linguistic unit.
Academic text (2005) -
The linguistic units can accompany the image in the form of a caption, and may be placed in a speech bubble or in a thought balloon.
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For example, Sani et al. (2012) have traced the use of lexical items such as interjections in the production of satirical impressions and their distribution in the linguistic units accompanying these cartoons.
Academic text (2018)
Synonyms
A part used in talking and writing, like a word, part of a word or phrase that gives meaning
How Big
Surface Forms
Morphology
The meaning 'a segment of language regarded as a discrete entity' is directly and transparently composed from 'linguistic' (relating to language) + 'unit' (an individual component). This adj+noun composition is a common, cross-linguistic pattern, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents would readily infer the MWE's meaning.
Etymology
Linguistic unit comes from the image of language as many separate pieces: linguistic connects to the old idea of the 'tongue' or speech and unit means 'one piece'. So a linguistic unit is 'a single part of language', like a sound, word, or phrase that you study on its own.