CLA: Cognitive/Usage-based linguistics

Question 1

Which theorist is behind this theory?

Answer 1

Michael Tomasello

Question 2

What key concept do you need to know for this theory?

Answer 2

Usage-based linguistics.

Question 3

What is Argument (1) to support Usage based linguistics?

Answer 3

•Argues against Chomsky of language being a ‘special’ instinct. Says that language is both primarily social.

Question 4

What Argument (2) to support Usage based linguistics?

Answer 4

•This is evidenced in that by the age of 9 – 12 months’ children can make use of pattern-forming ability, not because it happened natu-rally but because they learnt it through learning contexts

Question 5

What Argument (3) to support Usage based linguistics?

Answer 5

•CDS teaches children the basic function of structure and language.

Question 6

What Argument (1) to against Usage based linguistics?

Answer 6

•To humans, language is a ‘special instinct’ considering we are the only species in the planet that can communicate through lan-guages not sounds.

Question 7

What Argument (2) to against Usage based linguistics?

Answer 7

•Research has found that children do not need the support from caregivers in order to acquire/understand words such as ‘mommy’ or ‘daddy’ as they can be understood and spoken by six-to-nine-months.

Question 8

What is Usage-based linguistics?

Answer 8

A model that emphasis that language structure emerges from use in that linguistic patterns are formed and become what we know as grammatical constructions.