1>Human evolution & socio-cognitive pre-requisites for lang acquistion Flashcards
Generative-Nativist linguistics=
words can & must be learned through experience, but knowledge of ‘grammatical rules’ is INNATE
Main features of Generative nativist lingusitics theory>
- we have ‘domain specific’ (specific to lang) innate knowledge of grammar & syntatic rules
- this innate knowledge comes in the form of–>unviersal grammar, lang acquisition devices
What forms does ‘innate knowledge’ come in in G-N linguistics> (2)
- unviersal grammar, lang acqusition devices
Usage-based linguistics=
humans possess powerful learning mechanisms that allow them to discover regularities in language and other domains
main features of Usage-based linguistics theory>
- we have ‘domain-general’ innate knowledge and skills to learn words and grammar
- these skills can be used for–>intention reading, pattern finding
what can the ‘skills’ of U-B lingusitics be used for>
- language learning, intention reading, pattern finding (mathmetatics, music etc)
Domain specific=
only used to learn language (specific to lang domain)
Domain general=
skills can be applied to several domains (e.g. pattern finding0
Stages of Biological change in humans> (7)
1> bipedalism
2>pelvic rearrangement (^due to)
3> narrower birth canal (^caused by)
4>increased foetal size due to improved diet
5> selective pressure to delay skeletal maturation (^due to)
6>delay in neural development (^due to)
7>bigger brains (^due to)
Neural plasticity=
brains are relatively underdeveloped> can learn more as brain is “empty”
^not a lot of neural connections
Alloparents=
those who help raise kids
How did human biological change lead to cultural changes> (4)
- slow maturation required more childcare
- improvements in diet lead to higher birth rates
- thus cultural change of need to recruit ‘alloparents’ to help raise kids
- additional change of infants need to bond with caregivers as competing for attention
How do babies get caregiver’s attention/ make them care for them? (3)
1>vocalisation (involuntary crying & babbling)
2>smiling (involuntary>voluntary over time)
3>turn taking (expect response, i.e. pointing)
Change caused by complex social environment to language>
as have larger groups (due more children, better diet)
- Division of labour & cooperation more needed in for efficiency
- thus, lang needed to:
>cooperative & organise joint activities & transmit expert knowledge (use of tools)
key development: cooperation> (1+3)
- larger groups leads to higher levels of COOPERATIONL based on:
>(1)understanding others POV & attention, (2) understanding their goals & (communicative) intentions, & (3) conventionality & imitation
importance of cooperation>
> within group cooperation gives advantage over other groups
cooperation & trust is necessary for ‘alloparenting’
How do infants collaborate & coordinate their actions with others?> (4)
1>cooperation
2> joint attention
3> understanding goals & intentions
4> conventionality & imitation
Signs of cooperation in humans> (2)
> we use lang to share info
we give away info for free
cooperation studies> ‘pointing studies’> (3+1)
- 3 cups upside down & toy hidden under 1
- adult points to cup
- around age 1, humans know what to do
-demonstrates cooperation (give info for free as normal)
Why dont cooperation studies work on apes?
apes do not understand giving information for free, like humans (no real cooperation)
Focus of attention study> infants & toys> (3)
- 3 toys, dont know any
- if mum says “thats a nice ball”, important to kno which she is looking/pointing at (via joint attention) to make link between what said & object
Focus of attention study> apes & banana>
- alpha male & subordiante group member
- 2 bananad: 1 of which can be seen by alpha
- sub will go for one that alpha cannot see
- thus, some level of understanding of what other can see (focus of/joint attention)
Goal & intentions study> object & obstacle> (3)
- showed kids obj as moving around obstacle to get to end location
- then EITHER showed (1) same path without obstacle; (2) moved obj directly to end location
- results: surprise under condition 1 (pupil dialation)> consistent with ‘goal’ knowledge
Conventionality & imitation study> babies & light switch>
- showed babies unconventional ways of switching light one
- had 2 conditions: 1 where hands free, one where hands not free, performing same action
- results: infant more likely to imitate irrational action when adult had hands free (as assume is a CONVENTIONAL action as reason for not using hands)
