Fundamental Arguments Flashcards
The argument for Mental Grammar
The expressive variety of use of language implies that brains have unconcious grammatical principles
The argument for Mental Grammar
The expressive variety of use of language implies that brains have unconscious grammatical principles.There are limitless combinations of words that can’t each be stored in the brain but are still understood.
These unconscious grammatical principles (mental grammar) are the brains rules for patterns of words and patterns of patterns.
Brain stores rules for patterns of words: definitions of words and how they should be used
Also stores rules for Patterns of Patterns
The argument for Innate knowledge
If we have a mental grammar, how did it get there?
The way children learn to talk implies the human brain contains a genetically determined specialization for language.
Why? Much about language is not taught to children Ex: for, if. Taught words, not grammatical patterns, not abstract words. Don’t always used grammatical principles taught, ex: preposition at end.
What did Jackendoff say seperates human language from animal communication?
The ability to abstract–express nonsensory things that can’t directly picture
What did Jackendoff say seperates human language from animal communication?
The ability to abstract–express nonsensory things that can’t directly picture
What is universal grammar?
States children are born with innate knowledge that helps construct mental grammar, and can be used for any language in the world.
What is the paradox of language acquisition?
Linguists still havent been able to fully figure out patterns of mental grammar, and it is subconscious so parents can’t teach it, yet kids still learn it unconciously.
Therefore children must have a hint about grammar. Ability to pick out a pattern.
How do children get universal grammar?
Genetic hypothesis: genetic info dictates initial brain structure. Way brain is built partially dictates how we think.
What is mental grammar?
The innate part of language (universal grammar): aspects alike with other langauges, parts that can’t be figured out from hearing speech
The learned part: language aspects different from other langauges
What is the genetic hypothesis?
–Brain structure is partially determined by genetic information
–thinking is affected by brain structure
–through the genetically determined structure of the brain affecting thinking, may explain the innate knowledge
