Language Flashcards
Define Language
a combinatorial system of communciation that uses a finite set of spoken/signed parts that are combined according to finite rules in hierarchial fashion to generate infinite possibilites
Language parts are arbitrary and uniquely human
2 Approaches to Understand Languages
- Descriptivism-describes language is actually being used ( linguist)
- Prescriptivism -prescribes rules and practices for how language should be used ( grammar)
Define phonetics
sounds of language and how we use them
phoneme=sounds
How are phoneme classified?
Phoneme are classified base don how sounds are produced by three categories, heavily based on changing diff aspects of vocal anatomy
- Voicing-are vocal folds vibrating?
- Place-location of constriction within vocal tract
- Manner-how airflow is manipulated
Phoneme Classification System Descriptions ( VPM)
- Voicing-voiced ( vibration of vocal cords) or voiceless (no vibration of vocal cords)
- Place -place of constriction: bilabial, alveolar; labdiodental
- Manner-airflow: fricative ( air pass through narrow constriction) ; plosive ( lung airflow interruption by closing mouth completely,)
Define Phonology
set of sounds used in a language
at birth baby can distinguish b/w all phonemes and by 6 months can only distinguish those of native language
Define Morphology
Structure of words
root, prefix, suffix =are examples of morphemes
Define morpheme
smallest indivisible unit of language that carries meaning
examples of morphemes; root, prefix, suffix
Syntax
rules for combing words into phrases and sentences ( grammar)
Semantics
meaning of language
challenge to learner-one word can carry multiple meanings
How does EEG measures brain activity?
Electroencephalography measures brain activity indirectly by measuring electrical activity
which level of language is the brain attuned to ?
Semantics; brain senses an error in semantics and fires differently
Example:
I like my coffee with cream and sugar
I like my coffee with cream and socks
Define pragmatics
meaning in context
List levels of language
- Phonology ( sound)
- Morphology ( structure)
- Syntax ( grammar)
- Semantics ( meaning)
- Pragmatics ( context)
- other levels beyond pragmatics
How is language stored in brain?
- lexicon-parts of language and their meaning ( words)
2. syntax/grammar ( rules)