Topic 5: Language

Question 1

Define language.

Answer 1

System by which sounds, symbols, and gestures are used for communication

– A system for representing and communicating information
– Uses words combined according to grammatical rules
– Expressed in a variety of ways including gestures, writing, and speech

Question 2

Human speech begins when:

a. vibrations in tightened vocal folds
b. air is exhaled from the lungs
c. rapid changes in the positions of the tongue, lips and soft palate modulate sound
d. sound is modified in the pharynx

Answer 2

b. air is exhaled from the lungs

Question 3

A FOXP2 gene single mutation produces which of the following (select all that apply):

a. affected development of motor cortex, cerebellum, and striatum
b. severe intellectual impairment
c. Deficits in muscular control of lower face
d. verbal dyspraxia

Answer 3

a. affected development of motor cortex, cerebellum, and striatum
c. Deficits in muscular control of lower face
d. verbal dyspraxia

Question 4

Greater tension in the vocal folds:

a. produces lower-frequency vibrations and lower pitch sound
b. produces higher-frequency vibrations and lower pitch sound
c. produces higher-frequency vibrations and higher pitch sound
d. c. produces lower-frequency vibrations and higher pitch sound

Answer 4

c. produces higher-frequency vibrations and higher pitch sound

Question 5

“A system for representing and communicating information” is

a. Language
b. Speech
c. Writing
d. Images

Answer 5

a. Language