1. Arbitrariness: The relationship between a word or symbol and its meaning is arbitrary and varies across languages.
2. Productivity: Language allows for the creation of an infinite number of new words and sentences through the combination of a finite set of elements.
3. Discreteness: Language is composed of discrete units such as phonemes, morphemes, and words that can be combined in different ways to create meaning.
4. Duality of patterning: Language has a hierarchical structure with smaller units (such as phonemes) combining to form larger units (such as words) that convey meaning.
5. Recursion: Language allows for the embedding of one linguistic element within another, enabling the creation of complex sentences.
6. Cultural transmission: Language is learned and passed down through generations within a community, allowing for the preservation and evolution of linguistic systems.
7. Semanticity: Language conveys meaning through the use of symbols and signs that represent concepts, objects, actions, and relationships.
8. Prevarication: Language can be used to deceive, mislead, or withhold information, allowing for the expression of falsehoods and ambiguity.
9. Reflexivity: Language can be used to talk about language itself, allowing for metalinguistic awareness and analysis.
10. Displacement: Language allows for the communication of information about things that are not present in the immediate context, such as past events, future plans, or abstract concepts.