MODULE 6: LANGUAGE

Question 1

A system of communication using sounds or symbols that enables us to express our feelings, thoughts, ideas, and experiences.

Answer 1

Language

Question 2

The two necessary characteristics of language

Answer 2

1. Regular
2. Productive

Question 3

A necessary characteristic of language which entails that language is governed by a system of rules called grammar.

Answer 3

Regular

Question 4

A necessary characteristic of language which entails that infinite combinations of things can be expressed in language.

Answer 4

Productive

Question 5

Other characteristics of human languages

Answer 5

1. Arbitrariness
2. Discreteness

Question 6

A characteristic of human language which says that there must be a lack of a necessary resemblance
between a word or a sentence and what it refers to.

Answer 6

Arbitrariness

Question 7

A characteristic of human language which says that the system can be subdivided into recognizable parts – for example sentences into words.

Answer 7

Discreteness

Question 8

A world-view hypothesis which states that language shapes thought: your thoughts, percepts, and actions are determined/influenced by the language you speak.

Answer 8

Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis

Question 9

A strong hypothesis stating that language dictates thought: speaking a certain
language makes you unable to think certain thoughts that speakers of other languages could think.

Answer 9

Linguistic Determinism

Question 10

A weak hypothesis stating that language does
influence to some extent the way we think and view the world, however, does not fully determine or constraint it.

Answer 10

Linguistic Relativity