Week 13: Language

Question 1

The structure of sounds in language are called…

Answer 1

phonology

Question 2

The rules for combining different types of words into a sentence is called…

Answer 2

syntax

Question 3

The meaning in words is called…

Answer 3

semantics

Question 4

The implied meanings in language are called…

Answer 4

pragmatics

Question 5

How many different phonemes can humans produce?

Answer 5

About 100 (English speakers use about 35)

Question 6

Noam Chomsky determined that grammar is different from…

Answer 6

meaning

Question 7

What are the smallest units of meaning in a language?

Answer 7

morphemes

Question 8

Mental sentences that represent the unambiguous meaning of assertions are called…

Answer 8

propositional representations

Question 9

What is aphasia?

Answer 9

disruption of language due to brain damage

Question 10

Damage to the frontal lobe could include which area?

What would be the result?

Answer 10

Broca’s area

Problems producing speech

Question 11

Damage to the left cerebral hemisphere could include which area?
What would be the result?

Answer 11

Wernicke’s area

Problems comprehending language

Question 12

Metaphors and humour involve what dimension of language?

Answer 12

pragmatics

Question 13

There are 2 schools of thought regarding language development. What are they?

Answer 13

Empiricism - language is entirely learned

Nativism - some language is innate (LAD)

Question 14

What was the LAD

Answer 14

Language Acquisition Device
Noam Chomsky
A biological function/element that allows us to know language

Question 15

What was Skinner’s case for language acquisition? (NURTURE)

Answer 15

Operant conditioning - reinforcement and shaping used to teach language
Children imitate parents

Question 16

What was Chomsky’s case for language acquisition? (NATURE)

Answer 16

Language is universal across cultures
LAD
Children use complex grammar long before other skills like mathematics

Question 17

What is the growth pattern of vocabulary until grade 5?

Answer 17

It doubles every 2 years until grade 5

Question 18

What does a critical period in language acquisition refer to?

Answer 18

We must develop a function within a certain time frame or it wont develop at all

Question 19

The 4 main elements of language are…

Answer 19

Phonemes
Morphemes
Phrases
Sentences

Question 20

A defining feature of language is that it is…

Answer 20

arbitrary (‘dog’ could just as easily have been used for cat.

Question 21

According to Skinner, language is learned as a result of careful application of…

Answer 21

rewards and punishments

Question 22

What condition makes it difficult to learn speech in childhood?

Answer 22

dyslexia

Question 23

What is the cognitive explanation for dyslexia?

Answer 23

In the left hemisphere, linguistic circuits are not functioning properly

Question 24

What is the correct sequence for language learning?

Answer 24

Babbling
one-word sentences
telegraphic speech
grammatical speech

Question 25

What is telegraphic speech?

Answer 25

using only the most essential words for meaning

eg. dog out

Question 26

The way language is used and understood in everyday life is concerned with…

Answer 26

pragmatics

Question 27

How was implicit learning observed in bonobos?

Answer 27

Babies copy symbols used by mothers

They announce intentions (eg. pressing ball symbol before seeking out the ball)

Question 28

People who are bilingual and multilingual…

Answer 28

Think differently, depending on the langauge they are using

Question 29

According to the Whorfian hypothesis of linguistic relativity…

Answer 29

language shapes thought

Question 30

Someone with ventromedial prefrontal cortical damage will demonstrate what traits?

Answer 30

Not be able to solve complex problems
Have difficulty inhibiting thoughts and emotions
Show deficits in moral behaviour
Show personality disturbances

Question 31

The rules that govern the placement of words and phrases in sentences refers to…

Answer 31

syntax