4 - Language Flashcards
What does a proficient user of language have knowledge of?
- Phonology
- Semantics
- Syntax
- Pragmatics
What is phonology?
Study of sound system of a language
What is semantics?
Meaning of words/phrases
What is syntax?
The arrangement of words and phrases to create well-formed sentences in a language. Logical order of words (only used by humans)
What us pragmatics?
Using words in right context (social use of language)
When are you pre-linguistic?
0-12 months
What are the 3 forms of vocalisation during this pre-linguistic period?
Crying (first 3-4 weeks)
Cooing (3-5 weeks)
Babbling (3-4 months)
What is echolalia?
Repeats other’s words or phrases (babbling)
What is telegraphic speech? When does it happen?
18-24 months
2 word utterances (small phrases)
When does a child become interested in rhymes/songs?
3-5 years
What is motherese?
Simplified way we talk to babies, exaggerated pitch etc
What are the theories of language acquisition?
Skinner vs Chomsky
What was Skinner’s theory of language acquisition?
Language is learned through imitation and reinforcement (social interaction)
What is Chomsky’s theory of language acquisition?
Brain is pre-wired for language and has evolved to learn human language (innate shared linguistic principles, universal grammar)
What is the critical period hypothesis? Who came up with it?
Lenneberg (1976)
Brain is a sponge for language before age 12 and is difficult to be learned outside
What is aphasia?
Loss of ability to understand or express speech, caused by brain damage
What theory replaced Lenneberg’s?
Sensitive period hypothesis
Under 12: bilingual
15-20: head injury –> no permanent loss of language
Over 20: permanent effect on language
What is BSL?
British Sign Language
What is ‘home sign’?
A spontaneous language where parents didn’t teach them sign language and they wanted their children to lip read, children made their own sign language as form of communication
What is Broca’s aphasia?
Expressive –> Injury to the frontal regions of the left hemisphere impacts how words are strung together to form complete sentences
What is Wernicke’s aphasia?
Use of nonsensical or irrelevant words and phrases can make what they say incomprehensible
What are the 2 types of aphasia?
- Expressive (damage to Broca area of brain)
2. Receptive (damage to Wernicke area of brain)
