Chapter 10 - Language in Context

Question 1

The linguistic relativity theory (The Sapir-Whorf hypothesis)

Answer 1

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.

Question 2

Linguistic universals

Answer 2

characteristic patterns across all languages and cultures.

Question 3

Additive bilingualism

Answer 3

A second language is acquired in addition to a relatively well-developed first language. Seems to increase cognitive ability.

Question 4

Subtractive bilingualism

Answer 4

Elements of a second language replace elements of the first language. Seems to decrease cognitive ability.

Question 5

Simultaneous bilingualism

Answer 5

Learning of two languages from birth.

Question 6

Sequential bilingualism:

Answer 6

One language is learned first, then another.

Question 7

The single-system hypothesis of bilingualism

Answer 7

Two languages are represented in just one system or brain region.

Question 8

The dual-system hypothesis of bilingualism

Answer 8

Two languages are represented in separate systems.

Question 9

Pidgin

Answer 9

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.

Question 10

Creole

Answer 10

Over time, a pidgin can develop into a distinct linguistic form with its own grammar, leading to a creole.

Question 11

Protolanguage

Answer 11

An evolutionarily early form of language, termed protolanguage, resembles modern creoles.

Question 12

Slips of the tongue

Answer 12

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.

Question 13

Metaphors

Answer 13

The juxtaposition of two nouns in a way that positively asserts their similarities, while not disconfirming their dissimilarities.

Question 14

Similes

Answer 14

A metaphor but with the words “like” or “as” inserted into the comparison.

Question 15

Pragmatics

Answer 15

The study of how people use language, including sociolinguistics.

Question 16

Grice’s four maxims of successful conversations

Answer 16

The maxims are quantity, quality, relation, and manner.

Question 17

Aphasia

Answer 17

Impairment of language functioning caused by damage to the brain.

Question 18

Wernicke’s aphasia

Answer 18

Impairment in understanding spoken language, and production of nonsensical sentences that have the basic structure of the language.

Question 19

Broca’s aphasia

Answer 19

Comprehension ability is preserved, but produces language with no grammatical structure.

Question 20

Global aphasia

Answer 20

Highly impaired comprehension and production of speech, caused by lesions to both Wernicke’s and Broca’s areas.

Question 21

Anomic aphasia

Answer 21

Difficulties in naming objects or retrieving words.

Question 22

The cooperative principle

Answer 22

We try to communicate in ways that make it easy for our listener to understand what we mean.