Exam 3: Language Flashcards
Language
A system of symbols and rules used for meaningful communication.
Speech
The vocalized form of language used to convey meaning.
Linguistics
The scientific study of language and its structure.
Phonology
The study of the sound system of a language.
Semantics
The study of meaning in language.
Syntax
The rules for combining words into grammatically correct sentences.
Pragmatics
The use of language in social contexts and the rules governing conversation.
Phonemes
The smallest units of sound in a language.
Morphemes
The smallest units of meaning in a language.
Word Frequency Effect
The phenomenon where high-frequency words are recognized and processed more quickly.
Lexical Ambiguity
A situation where a word has more than one meaning.
Instrument Inferences
Assumptions about tools or methods used in a described scenario.
Causal Interferences
Assumptions about the cause of events described in text.
Anaphoric Inferences
Connecting current information to previously mentioned concepts.
Prelinguistic Communication
Ways infants communicate before using actual words (e.g., crying, gestures).
Babbling
Early speech-like sounds made by infants.
Holophrases
Single words used by children to express complete ideas.
Telegraphic Speech
Two or three-word phrases that omit less critical words, like a telegram.
Motherese
A simplified, exaggerated, and melodic way of speaking to infants.
Fast Mapping
The ability of children to learn new words with minimal exposure.
Noam Chomsky
A linguist who proposed that humans are biologically equipped for language.
Language Acquisition Device
Chomsky’s theoretical brain mechanism for learning language.
Universal Grammar
Chomsky’s theory that all languages share a common structural basis.
Transformation Rules
Rules that convert basic sentences into different forms (e.g., questions).
