Lecture 20 - World Of Discovery

Question 1

What is a key anatomical difference between human and non human primate speech anatomy?

Answer 1

Human larynx is lower in the throat, while non-human primates have a high larynx

Non human primates also have a long flat tongue, and humans have a short curved tongue.

Question 2

What features do human sign languages share with spoken human languages?

Answer 2

Gesture, changes in rhythm, volume, tonality

These features demonstrate the complexity and richness of human communication.

Question 3

Who discovered 32 different sounds used by chimpanzees?

Answer 3

Jane Goodall

Her work highlighted the complexity of non-human primate communication.

Question 4

Why is non-human primate communication considered closed?

Answer 4

They can only emit a call in the appropriate context and cannot mix calls to create new calls

This limits their ability to convey a wide range of meanings.

Question 5

What is one major characteristic that makes language distinctively human?

Answer 5

The use of symbols

Symbols allow humans to share complex ideas and emotions.

Question 6

What are Hocketts 6 main features of human language?

Answer 6

1. Openness - open communication system, dynamic
2. Duality of patterning - universal symbols
3. Semanticity - making sense of objects and worldly processes
4. Arbitrariness - randomness, spontaneity
5. Displacement
6. Prevarication - avoidance of truth

Question 7

True or False: Over 60% of human communication is non-verbal.

Answer 7

True

Non-verbal cues play a significant role in conveying messages.

Question 8

How many hand gestures do Italians use daily?

Answer 8

250

This highlights the importance of gestures in Italian communication.

Question 9

What is a characteristic lacking in closed call systems?

Answer 9

Duality of patterning

This means sounds are not organized into meaningful units.

Question 10

What does ‘prevarication’ refer to in language?

Answer 10

The ability to make false, nonsensical, and contradictory statements

This includes forms like poetry and humor.

Question 11

What is the linguistic relativity principle also known as?

Answer 11

Sapir-Whorf hypothesis

It suggests that language shapes thought and perception.

Question 12

How do pronouns in language influence perception according to linguistic relativity?

Answer 12

They force speakers to think of men and women as radically different

This illustrates the impact of language on social constructs.