Pinker Flashcards
What does Pinker say about the words we use? (4/5)
Almost every sentence anybody voices is an original combination of words, never previously uttered.
Therefore a language cannot consist only of word combinations learned through repetition and conditioning.
The brain must contain innate means of creating endless amounts of grammatical sentences from a limited vocabulary.
Language is an instinct (that is unique to humans)
Who said that nearly ever utterance is unique in it’s combination of words?
Pinker
Who’s theory does Pinker support with his whole “almost every utterance is unique” thing?
Chomsky’s theory of universal grammar. This is because of the whole the brain must contain innate means of creating endless amounts of grammatical sentences thing, as well as language being an instinct. I don’t think that this is in all it’s parts the best argument because honestly this supports the LAD as much as if not more so than UG as we store the grammar we have learnt in our brains and we are applying it.
Having said that, language is an instinct could support it as it shows that the need for communication is innate (even if i only partially agree with the only humans have it bit).
What does Pinker call the human capacity for language?
Mentalese
What is Stephen Pinkers view on “incorrect grammar”?
Steven Pinker says: when a grammar rule must be explicitly stated to be learned, then it can be ignored. Grammar should be instinctive, not something that has to be learned and practised.
Eg we can still communicate with ‘incorrect’ grammar – if someone has to explain to you why it’s wrong, it’s probably irrelevant.
Eg “don’t start a sentence with a conjunction.”
Starting a sentence with a conjunction does not tend to impact on meaning. You would therefore have to explain why you can’t start with one. But instinctively, we don’t need this rule.
pinker LAD and LASS relationship.
we got that innate wiring and language learning but you need socialization and input for it to be given the relevant info.
