392. A language is a signaling system which operates with symbolic vocal sounds (語聲), and which is used by a group of people for the purpose of communication.
譯文
語言就是通過象征性語聲起作用，并為了溝通的目的而被一群人使用的信號(hào)系統(tǒng)。
點(diǎn)睛
兩個(gè)which引導(dǎo)的都是system的定語從句。operate with意為“借助……運(yùn)轉(zhuǎn)”。
for the purpose of意為“出于……的目的”。如：
This book is for the purpose of studying the very subject. 該書正是為研究此學(xué)科而寫成的。
考點(diǎn)歸納
有關(guān)purpose的常見短語有：
on purpose意為“并非偶然地，故意地”。如：
They seemed to do those things on purpose. 他們似乎是有意做那些事的。
serve one's/the purpose意為“適合需要；令人滿意”。如：
The plan will serve your purpose. 該計(jì)劃會(huì)令你滿意。
to little/no/some purpose意為“幾乎沒有／毫無／有一定成效”。如：
Money has been invested in the scheme to little purpose. 資金已投入到該方案之中，卻幾乎毫無成效。
