An introductory text reads Language is made up of a collection of units and rules. These build upon each other to help us think and communicate. At the base are phonemes, which combine to make up morphemes, the smallest unit of language that carries meaning. At the top is displacement, which is the human ability to refer to things that are abstract or hypothetical.
Six blocks, positioned one on top of the other are shown. The text on the boxes read as follows from the bottom:
Box 1- Phoneme (basic sound units); Box 2- Morpheme (smallest unit of language that carries meaning); Box 3- Syntax (how words can be combined); Box 4- Semantics (content, rules affecting meaning); Boxes 3 and 4 are placed on the same row on top of box 2. Box 5- Pragmatics (social rules, such as expression); Box 6- Displacement (ability to refer to things not present). On the right side, arrow pointers from each box leads to the following text:
Box 1(Phoneme) points toward a string of sound units, /d/ /i/ /s/ /a/ /g/ /r/ /e e/ /a/ /b/ /u/ /l/.
Box 2 (Morpheme) points toward a word disagreeable which is divided into three morphemes as follows: 1-dis; 2-agree; and 3-able. A text box on the right side reads disagreeable with a cross mark over ‘dis’; corresponding text reads Notice how changing one morpheme alters a word’s meaning.
Box 3 (syntax) points toward two speech bubbles that read, He has an agreeable baby versus Baby, he is agreeable.
Box 4 (Semantics) points toward two speech bubbles that read, I am agreeable versus agreeable I am.
Box 5 (Pragmatics) points toward an illustration which shows a man holding a tray with a stack of cupcakes; the man says, can I offer you some cupcakes?
Box 6 (displacement) points toward a speech bubble that reads, I was thinking of pie instead.