Language Production Flashcards
syntax
the rules governing the ways words can be combined to create meaningful sentences
language production
a number by which we convert a thought into language output, in the form of speech, sign language or writing
sapir-whorf hypothesis (linguistic relativity hypothesis)
proposes that the language we speak influences and shapes our perception of the world and our thought processes. It suggests that speakers of different languages may perceive and think about the world differently due to the unique structures, vocabulary, and grammatical features of their languages. This hypothesis can range from strong forms, suggesting that language determines thought, to weaker forms, suggesting that language influences thought.
linguistic determinism
the idea that the structure and vocabulary of a language shape or determine the way its speakers perceive and think about the world. It suggests that language influences our thoughts and perceptions, potentially limiting or expanding our cognitive abilities based on the language we speak.
linguistic universals
features shared by all languages, like vowels, nouns, verbs ect
phonology
the system of sounds in language
phonetics
the study of speech sounds
phoneme
the smallest meaningful sound unit within a language
morphology
the study of rules in a language according to which words can be constructed
tip of the tongue effect
a temporary inability to access a known word
semantics
the study of meaning of words and morphemes
discourse
refers to multi-sentence speech and includes dialogue, conversation and narrative
schemas
a framework that represents a plan or a theory, supporting the organization of knowledge
pragmatics
the understanding of the communicative function of language and the conventions that govern language use
Grice identified 4 rules that describe effective conversations
- maxim of quantity (provide enough info)
- maxim of quality (truthful and accurate)
- maxim of relevance (make it relevant)
- maxim of manner (clear, concise, orderly)
aphasia
group of language disorders that occur following brain injury
disfluencies
a hesitation or disruption to the normal fluency of speech
parapraxes (Freudian slips)
unintentional errors in speech, memory, or action that reveal underlying subconscious thoughts or desires. These slips can include mistakes in speaking, such as mispronunciations, slips of the tongue, or using the wrong word, as well as errors in memory or actions. Freud believed that parapraxes were manifestations of repressed thoughts or feelings trying to surface into consciousness.
lexical bias
tendency of individuals to select certain words or phrases over others when communicating, often influenced by their own personal preferences, habits, or cultural background.
Conceptualization of speech production
involves the mental processes of generating ideas, selecting appropriate words, planning sentences, and preparing for the physical execution of speech sounds. This includes deciding what to say, how to say it, and organizing the linguistic elements into coherent communication.
Modular theories of speech production
propose that the process of producing speech involves distinct cognitive modules or specialized components that operate independently but interact to generate language output. These theories suggest that different aspects of speech production, such as conceptualization, lexical retrieval, syntactic planning, phonological encoding, and articulation, are carried out by separate cognitive modules or subsystems within the brain. Each module has specific functions and processes information in a specialized manner.
- Garrett’s model and Levelt’s model
Garrett’s model of speech production
outlines a hierarchical framework for understanding how language is produced in a top-down manner. Suggests that function and content words are treated differently
This model consists of five main stages:
1. conceptual level: conceptualize the messages that we want to express, meaning to be conveyed is selected
2. functional level: content words selected and assigned to syntactic roles
3. positional level: content words placed in order, function words selected
4. phonological level: speech sounds selected and sound errors can occur
5. Articulation level: sounds prepared and spoken
Levelt’s model of speech production
outlines a comprehensive framework for understanding how language is produced. Focuses on the production of single words rather than full sentences.
The model consists of six main stages:
1. Conceptual preparation: lexical concept prepared
2. lexical selection: lemmas selected
3. morphological encoding: morphemes selected
4. phonological encoding: syllables are computed
5. phonetic encoding: sounds are selected
6. articulation: speech is made ready for output
interactive theories of speech production
suggest that generating speech involves dynamic interactions among different cognitive processes. These theories emphasize the ongoing exchange of information between stages such as conceptualization, lexical retrieval, syntactic planning, and phonological encoding. Speakers continuously monitor and adjust their speech output based on feedback, enabling flexible and adaptive language production.
- Dell’s model
Dell’s model of speech production
model highlights the hierarchical nature of speech production, with each stage building upon the preceding one. It emphasizes the interaction between linguistic and motor aspects of speech production and provides a detailed account of the cognitive processes involved in generating language.
Four levels:
1. semantic level
2. syntactic level
3. morphological level
4. phonological level
lexical access involves six steps:
1. the semantic units are activated by an external source
2. activation spreads through network
3. the word unit with the highest level of activation is selected and linked to the syntactic frame for the sentence
4. the word is assigned a place in a sentence and activates the phonological information
5. activation continues to spread
6. the most active phonological units are selected, and these are linked to slots in a phonological frame for the word
lateralization of function
sensory information coming from one side of the body is processed on the opposite side of the brain. Controlled by opposite hemisphere’s
Wernicke-Geschwind model
outlines the neurological pathways underlying language comprehension and production in the brain. Provides a foundational understanding of the neural basis of language processing, although contemporary neuroscience has revealed a more complex and distributed network of brain regions involved in language comprehension and production. Used as the basis for classifying aphasia disorders.
Wernicke’s area
located in the posterior part of the left hemisphere, is involved in understanding and comprehending language.
Broca’s area
situated in the frontal lobe of the left hemisphere, is responsible for the production of speech and language expression.
Arcuate fasciculus
This pathway connects Wernicke’s area with Broca’s area. It is involved in transmitting information from the language comprehension area to the language production area.
split brain phenomenon
a set of disorders resulting from disconnection of the cerebral hemispheres by partial or complete severing of the corpus callosum
agraphia
the inability to produce written words as the result of a brain injury
alexia
neurological condition (often from brain injury) where a person looses the ability to perform activities that they are physically able and willing to do
Broca’s aphasia
an acquired language disorder characterized by non-fluent speech output and problems with grammar processing
Wernicke’s aphasia
a fluent aphasia characterized by fluent but meaningless output and repetition errors
anomic aphasia
word finding disorder that has been compared to regular TOT (tip of the tongue)
