Podcast
Questions and Answers
In human language, creativity is also known as ________.
In human language, creativity is also known as ________.
productivity
Creativity in human language allows a person to utter a sentence that has not been said or heard ________.
Creativity in human language allows a person to utter a sentence that has not been said or heard ________.
before
Language is not a haphazard heap of individual items but follows well-defined ________.
Language is not a haphazard heap of individual items but follows well-defined ________.
patterns
The rules followed by people who know English do not allow certain sound ________ combinations.
The rules followed by people who know English do not allow certain sound ________ combinations.
Signup and view all the answers
Language is regarded as an intricate network of interlinked elements where every item is held in place and given identity by ________.
Language is regarded as an intricate network of interlinked elements where every item is held in place and given identity by ________.
Signup and view all the answers
In human language, words are not linked randomly but follow specific ________.
In human language, words are not linked randomly but follow specific ________.
Signup and view all the answers
Consider these words: burglar, loudly, sneezed. The three possible combinations are burglar sneezed loudly, loudly sneezed the burglar, and ________ burglar loudly sneezed.
Consider these words: burglar, loudly, sneezed. The three possible combinations are burglar sneezed loudly, loudly sneezed the burglar, and ________ burglar loudly sneezed.
Signup and view all the answers
Language design features include the ability to communicate about anything and be understood by others, known as ________.
Language design features include the ability to communicate about anything and be understood by others, known as ________.
Signup and view all the answers
In human language, elements are not organized randomly but are held in place by other items, demonstrating ________.
In human language, elements are not organized randomly but are held in place by other items, demonstrating ________.
Signup and view all the answers
Language allows for the formation of well-defined patterns and structures, unlike simple lists of elements found in some animal communication systems, showcasing ________.
Language allows for the formation of well-defined patterns and structures, unlike simple lists of elements found in some animal communication systems, showcasing ________.
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Patterning
- Human language enforces strict rules on item combinations and their sequence.
- Each item in a sentence gains identity through its relationship with other items, establishing a pattern.
- Example sentences: "The burglar sneezed loudly," "A robber coughed softly," "That cat hissed noisily."
Structure-Dependency
- Language operations rely on understanding sentence structure, not just the count of elements.
- Example variations:
- "The penguin squawked" and "It squawked" show different structures leading to the same verb.
- Past tense alteration only applies to the correct verb position, as shown by "I opened the door" versus an incorrect formation like "the womaned open the door."
Arbitrariness
- The connection between words and their meanings is arbitrary, with no inherent link.
- Exception exists for onomatopoeic words (e.g., "quack," "bang") which mimic sounds.
Need for Learning
- Animals communicate instinctively without learning, as their communication systems are genetically programmed.
- Human language acquisition requires extensive learning and cultural transmission, as demonstrated in cases of isolation where individuals do not develop language.
- Children possess innate predispositions that are activated through environmental interaction and careful learning.
Duality
- Language features duality, comprising two layers: physical sound and meaningful units.
- Animal vocalizations are limited in variety:
- Cows produce fewer than 10 sounds,
- Chickens around 20,
- Foxes over 30,
- Dolphins and primates like gorillas and chimpanzees exhibit between 20 and 30 distinct sounds.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Test your understanding of English language patterning, which involves firm restrictions on the occurrence and order of words in a sentence. Explore how words can be substituted while maintaining the structure and meaning of a sentence.
