What do we mean by the "form" of language?

The "form" of language refers to the rules and structures that govern how language is constructed. This includes aspects such as grammar, syntax, and morphology. Understanding the form of language is essential for comprehending how words combine to create meaningful sentences, and how different structures can change the meaning conveyed.

The focus on the rules and structures highlights the systematic nature of language, which allows speakers to form sentences that are grammatically correct and coherent. This understanding is critical for language development and for addressing language disorders, as difficulties in form can impact a person's ability to communicate effectively.

In contrast to this definition of form, meanings of words are related to the semantics, and social contexts involve pragmatics. Sounds that make up words pertain to phonology, which is another aspect of language but is distinct from its structural composition. Each of these components plays a role in the broader framework of language, but it is the structure and rules that are specifically referred to when discussing the "form" of language.