Vocabulary and Terminology

Question 1

Linguistic Competence

Answer 1

The unconscious knowledge of grammar that allows a speaker to use and understand a language.

Question 2

Linguistic Performance

Answer 2

The ability to produce and comprehend sentences in a language.

Question 3

Performance Error

Answer 3

Errors made by learners when they are tired or hurried.

Question 4

Speech Communication Chain

Answer 4

Involves a series of actions connecting the speaker’s and the listener’s brains.

Question 5

Speech Communication Chain Steps

Answer 5

Step 1. Articulatory planning and execution
Step 2. Generate sound from articulation (speech acoustics)
Step 3. Transmission of Sound
Step 4. Hearing
Step 5. Speech perception

Question 6

Noise

Answer 6

Unwanted sound considered unpleasant, loud, or disruptive to hearing.

Question 7

Lexicon

Answer 7

The vocabulary of a person, language, or branch of knowledge.

Question 8

Language Variation

Answer 8

Refers to regional, social, or contextual differences in the ways that a particular language is used.

Question 9

Descriptive Grammar

Answer 9

Grammatical elements and roles of a language as it is actually used.

Question 10

Evidence that language and writing are not the same

Answer 10

1. Speech is spontaneous while writing is planned.
2. Writing involves making an utterance visible
3. Language is a complex system that allows us to produce and interpret utterances.
4. Language = Speaking/Listening skills
   Writing = Reading skills

Question 11

Reasons some people believe writing to be superior to speech

Answer 11

1. Almost everyone could speak but only a few could write.
   2.Written language is more complex.
2. Spoken language is often informal, while written language is something official and permanent.

Question 12

Prescriptive Grammar

Answer 12

Set of rules about language based on how people think language should be used.

Question 13

Prescribe

Answer 13

State authoritatively or as a rule that an action or procedure should be carried out.

Question 14

Charles Hockett’s Nine Design Features

Answer 14

1. Vocal-Auditory Channel
2. Broadcast Transmission and Directional Reception
3. Transitoriness
4. Interchangeability
5. Total Feedback
6. Specialization
7. Semanticity
8. Arbitrariness
9. Discreteness

Question 15

Mode of Communication

Answer 15

The medium or channel through which communicative intent is expressed.

Question 16

Semanticity

Answer 16

The quality that a linguistic system has of being able to convey meanings, in particular by reference to the world of physical reality.

Question 17

Interchangeability

Answer 17

The fact that things can be exchanged especially without affecting the way in which something works.

Question 18

Cultural Transmissions

Answer 18

The process through which cultural elements, in the form of attitudes, values, beliefs, and behavioral scripts, are passed onto and taught to individuals and groups.

Question 19

Arbitrariness

Answer 19

The meaning of linguistics signs is not predictable from its word form, nor is the word form dictated by its meaning/function

Question 20

Linguistic Sign

Answer 20

A combination of two structural elements: a form that signifies (signifier) and a concept to which the form refers (signified).

Question 20

Convention

Answer 20

A way in which something is usually done.

Question 21

Pragmatic Function

Answer 21

The meaning a speaker wishes to convey to the person they are speaking to.

Question 22

Mental Grammar

Answer 22

Generative grammar sored in the brain that allows a speaker to produce language that other speakers can understand.

Question 23

Non-Arbitrariness

Answer 23

Not subject to individual determination

Question 24

Iconic

Answer 24

Regarded as a representative symbol or as worthy of veneration.

Question 25

Onomatopoeia

Answer 25

The formation of a word from a sound associated with what is named.

Question 26

Conventionalized

Answer 26

Have become usual and generally accepted, or done in a way that is usual and generally accepted.

Question 27

Sound Symbolism

Answer 27

The partial representation of the sense of a word by its sound as in bang, fizz, and slide.

Question 28

Discreteness

Answer 28

Each unit of communication can be separated and is unmistakable.

Question 29

Displacement

Answer 29

The ability to use language to talk about things and events not present in the immediate environment such as past and future events.

Question 30

Productivity

Answer 30

The capacity of language users produce and understand an indefinitely large number of sentences.

Question 31

Modality

Answer 31

Refers to the ways language can express various relationships to reality or truth.

Question 32

Myths about signed languages

Answer 32

1. That its a “universal language” (its not)
2. If you don’t know sign language you can communicate effectively by writing notes.
3. People who sign can also read lips (you can’t rely on lip reading)
4. Signed Languages aren’t real languages

Question 33

Differences between codes and languages

Answer 33

1. Codes piggyback on spoken language
2. Codes translate information through symbols
3. Codes do not contain any unique element found in linguistics
4. It’s not concrete direct communication.