Module 3: Language and Thought Flashcards
Phonemes
The smallest unit of sound recognized as separate in a given language. 46 Phonemes in total in English. Does not really give meaning to words.
ex: “d” sound in the’
Morphemes
Smallest units of meaning. Stands for objects, relationships, etc. Can be words or prefixes.
ex: “play” in ‘player’
Hierarchical Structure of Language
- Phonemes
- Morphemes
- Words
- Phrases
- Sentence
Phonology
Specifies how phonemes can be arranged to produce morphemes.
Morphology
Specifies how morphemes can be combined to form words.
Syntax
Specifies how words can be combined to produce phrases, sentences, in order.
Learning Grammar Implicitly
Knowledge of rules is shown by distinguishing acceptable from unacceptable sentences. Can’t usually state the rules, but we use them.
Developmental Stage: 0-3 Months
Coos, gurgles, and orients to sounds.
Developmental Stage: 4-6 Months
Responds to names; emits vowels and consonant sounds; babbles and cries
Developmental Stage: 7-18 Months
Copies gestures; become specialized for native language; responds to gestures.
Developmental Stage: 2-3 Years
Uses short sentences; matches objects to names; follows instructions.
Developmental Stage: 4-5 Years
Uses proper simple grammar; memorizes simple songs; clearer speech.
Developmental Stage: 10+ Years
Stored 50-10,000 words; can speak 2-4 words per second.
Chomsky’s Nativist Theory of Language
- “Nature”
- Brains are evolved to produce language (LAD)
- Critical periods for language demonstrate a biological constraint. Also known as “sensitive period” because knowledge can still be acquired outside this time period.
- Children across cultures acquire nouns before verbs
Skinner’s Environmental Theory of Language
- '’Nurture”
- Language is a verbal behaviour. Reinforcement mediated by another person.
- Mand is one type of verbal behaviour. Refer to notes for visualization and order.
- Speaker is more likely to ask for something in the future when they get what they asked for.