Language Flashcards
Define language
A communication system that uses symbols
what are the properties of language
Discretionary
Combinatorial
Analog
holistic
What does the discretionary property of language entail
Each word is a category, even if describing continuous events
What does the combinatorial property of language entail
We combine sounds to make words and words to make sentences. Finite no. words, infinite combinations
What are the communication systems that are available before language?
Vocalisations
Gestures
Why do babies cry?
Evolutionary sign of physical strengh and health reducing infanticide.
Keeping mother close to baby (food, warmth, protection from predators, social development)
What are the two ways of detecting conversation turn
Semantic content
Intonational form
Why do adults talk to infants even before they can understand
Aids speech perception
Facilitates adult-infant social interaction
What are the four components of language
Phonology
Semantics
Syntax
Pragmatics
Explain phonological development in language
Discriminating and producing sounds.
Explain the semantic development in language
Understanding the meaning of words
Explain the syntactic development in language
More than two-word combinations (knowing to add āsā to pluralise)
Explain the pragmatic development in language
Appropriate use of language depending on needs of the listener. Keeping track of whether the listener has the same common knowledge about the object of the sentence
Explain the learning theory of language development
Language is like any other behaviour we learn. We use domain general learning mechnisms, not special domain specific modules. Infants are surrounded by language even in utero
Explain the nativism theory of language development
Individuals are born with a language acquisition device located in the left hemisphere of the brain. Brocas and Wernickes area. Also outlines a critical period
Outline the weaknesses of the learning theory of language development
Cultures vary in many ways, but language milestones are similar.
Learning only should lead to more cross-cultural variation.
Humans require innate capacities for language in order to learn correct linguistic structure
Explain the interactionist theory of language development
Learning cant explain language entirely, but neither can innate biological structures. Underline the interaction between language and cognitive development.
What is Brocas area for
Speech production
What is Wernickes area for
speech comprehension
