Ch. 2 - Language & Thinking Flashcards
Grammar
The set of rules for how symbols can be combined into communication.
Here is a sequence of symbols: Dhvsfjzld
Why is this grammatically incorrect in English?
9 consonants cannot be put together without a vowel in the English language (a rule in English)
Semantics
The meaning of words and sentences.
Why are semantics necessary?
Symbols by themselves have no meaning. Semantics give symbols (which form words) meaning.
Generativity
Symbols can be combined in different ways to generate infinite messages.
Displacement
Language can be used to communicate about things that are not physically present (past, future, imaginary).
Name the properties of language (6)
-Symbolic
-Structured
-Grammar
-Semantics
-Generativity
-Displacement
Surface Structure of Language
Ways symbols are combined (the syntax of language)
Deep Structure of Language
The underlying meaning of combined symbols (semantics provide the rules for connecting symbols).
Name a similarity & a difference between these 2 sentences:
“The cat chased the rat”
“The rat was chased by the cat”
-Same deep structure
-Different surface structures
Morphemes
Combinations of phonemes which are the smallest units of meaning
Phonemes
Smallest units of separable sound
Are there more morphemes or phonemes in the English language?
Morphemes! There are over 100 000 morphemes, but only about 44 phonemes in the English language.
Pragmatics
Knowledge of the practical aspects of using language. Best practice is for people to change their clarity and tone depending on their audience.
Language Acquisition Device (LAD)
Coined by Noam Chomsky - Universal grammar shared by all humans. All languages have a common deep structure.
At what age range can humans vocalize the entire range of phonemes?
1-3 Months Old
At what age range can humans discriminate sounds specific to their native language
6-12 Months Old
What are the 4 stages children go through before they can speak in sentences?
-Cooing
-Babbling
-Single Words (first words)
-Telegraphic Speech
Cooing
Typically occurs in children 0-4 months of age. Includes crying, laughing, heavy breathing
Babbling
Typically occurs in children 5-12 months of age. Repeating syllables, but not yet producing any recognizable words.
Broca’s Area
In the frontal lobe of the brain. Associated with speech formation.