Chapter 10 - Language in Context Flashcards
The linguistic relativity theory (The Sapir-Whorf hypothesis)
Suggests that language shapes thinking, resulting in differences in thinking across different languages. Infants who come across different kinds of objects (in different cultures) make different kind of mental differentiations, which may shape language learning. We see and hear as we do because the language habits of our community predispose certain choices of interpretation. We dissect nature along lines laid down by out native languages.
Linguistic universals
characteristic patterns across all languages and cultures.
Additive bilingualism
A second language is acquired in addition to a relatively well-developed first language. Seems to increase cognitive ability.
Subtractive bilingualism
Elements of a second language replace elements of the first language. Seems to decrease cognitive ability.
Simultaneous bilingualism
Learning of two languages from birth.
Sequential bilingualism:
One language is learned first, then another.
The single-system hypothesis of bilingualism
Two languages are represented in just one system or brain region.
The dual-system hypothesis of bilingualism
Two languages are represented in separate systems.
Pidgin
When two language groups are in prolonged contact, the two groups can begin to share some vocabulary, leading to a pidgin - a language with no native speakers.
Creole
Over time, a pidgin can develop into a distinct linguistic form with its own grammar, leading to a creole.
Protolanguage
An evolutionarily early form of language, termed protolanguage, resembles modern creoles.
Slips of the tongue
Unintended linguistic errors - in phonemes, morphemes or larger units of language.
Slips of the tongue can be in anticipation - using a language element before it is appropriate in a sentence, perseveration - the opposite of anticipation, substitution - substituting one language element for another, reversal - switching the position of language elements, spoonerisms - the initial sounds of two words are reversed, malapropism - a word is replaced by a word with different meaning but similar sound, and insertions or deletions of sounds.
Metaphors
The juxtaposition of two nouns in a way that positively asserts their similarities, while not disconfirming their dissimilarities.
Similes
A metaphor but with the words “like” or “as” inserted into the comparison.
Pragmatics
The study of how people use language, including sociolinguistics.
Grice’s four maxims of successful conversations
The maxims are quantity, quality, relation, and manner.
Aphasia
Impairment of language functioning caused by damage to the brain.
Wernicke’s aphasia
Impairment in understanding spoken language, and production of nonsensical sentences that have the basic structure of the language.
Broca’s aphasia
Comprehension ability is preserved, but produces language with no grammatical structure.
Global aphasia
Highly impaired comprehension and production of speech, caused by lesions to both Wernicke’s and Broca’s areas.
Anomic aphasia
Difficulties in naming objects or retrieving words.
The cooperative principle
We try to communicate in ways that make it easy for our listener to understand what we mean.