What is Language???

For those who are interested in this sort of thing...

Language is a beautiful thing, and I have the interesting opportunity to take a writing class that focuses on linguistics this semester. As our first major paper (well not QUITE that major) we were to answer the question "What is Language?" Well... THAT's broad. We were to touch on the following aspects

1) How do experts in the field define language?
2) What is the first recorded use of language?
3) What does it mean to learn a language?
4) How do people acquire their first language (L1)?
5) How are different language skills acquired?
6) What factors can help or hinder the learning of a person's first language?

At any rate, if you fancy yourself an intellectual, you can get my paper here. Hahaha, that's just a shameless plug to get you to read my paper. There's nothing intellectual about it... ;-) Have fun!