4 - Language

Question 1

What does a proficient user of language have knowledge of?

Answer 1

1. Phonology
2. Semantics
3. Syntax
4. Pragmatics

Question 2

What is phonology?

Answer 2

Study of sound system of a language

Question 3

What is semantics?

Answer 3

Meaning of words/phrases

Question 4

What is syntax?

Answer 4

The arrangement of words and phrases to create well-formed sentences in a language. Logical order of words (only used by humans)

Question 5

What us pragmatics?

Answer 5

Using words in right context (social use of language)

Question 6

When are you pre-linguistic?

Answer 6

0-12 months

Question 7

What are the 3 forms of vocalisation during this pre-linguistic period?

Answer 7

Crying (first 3-4 weeks)
Cooing (3-5 weeks)
Babbling (3-4 months)

Question 8

What is echolalia?

Answer 8

Repeats other’s words or phrases (babbling)

Question 9

What is telegraphic speech? When does it happen?

Answer 9

18-24 months

2 word utterances (small phrases)

Question 10

When does a child become interested in rhymes/songs?

Answer 10

3-5 years

Question 11

What is motherese?

Answer 11

Simplified way we talk to babies, exaggerated pitch etc

Question 12

What are the theories of language acquisition?

Answer 12

Skinner vs Chomsky

Question 13

What was Skinner’s theory of language acquisition?

Answer 13

Language is learned through imitation and reinforcement (social interaction)

Question 14

What is Chomsky’s theory of language acquisition?

Answer 14

Brain is pre-wired for language and has evolved to learn human language (innate shared linguistic principles, universal grammar)

Question 15

What is the critical period hypothesis? Who came up with it?

Answer 15

Lenneberg (1976)

Brain is a sponge for language before age 12 and is difficult to be learned outside

Question 16

What is aphasia?

Answer 16

Loss of ability to understand or express speech, caused by brain damage

Question 17

What theory replaced Lenneberg’s?

Answer 17

Sensitive period hypothesis

Under 12: bilingual
15-20: head injury –> no permanent loss of language
Over 20: permanent effect on language

Question 18

What is BSL?

Answer 18

British Sign Language

Question 19

What is ‘home sign’?

Answer 19

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

Question 20

What is Broca’s aphasia?

Answer 20

Expressive –> Injury to the frontal regions of the left hemisphere impacts how words are strung together to form complete sentences

Question 21

What is Wernicke’s aphasia?

Answer 21

Use of nonsensical or irrelevant words and phrases can make what they say incomprehensible

Question 22

What are the 2 types of aphasia?

Answer 22

1. Expressive (damage to Broca area of brain)

2. Receptive (damage to Wernicke area of brain)