Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which feature of human language describes the ability to use words to refer to things that are not present or don't exist?
Which feature of human language describes the ability to use words to refer to things that are not present or don't exist?
The idea that language is not innate, but learned through interaction with others, is represented by which feature of human language?
The idea that language is not innate, but learned through interaction with others, is represented by which feature of human language?
The fact that sounds in a language are categorized into distinct units, not a continuous spectrum, is an example of which feature?
The fact that sounds in a language are categorized into distinct units, not a continuous spectrum, is an example of which feature?
Which feature of human language explains why we can understand and produce the same language signals?
Which feature of human language explains why we can understand and produce the same language signals?
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Which of these characteristics suggests that language is not directly tied to the meaning of words but rather a system of arbitrary symbols?
Which of these characteristics suggests that language is not directly tied to the meaning of words but rather a system of arbitrary symbols?
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The fact that our speech fades quickly after it's spoken refers to which feature of human language?
The fact that our speech fades quickly after it's spoken refers to which feature of human language?
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The ability to create new sentences and expressions that have never been uttered before is associated with what feature?
The ability to create new sentences and expressions that have never been uttered before is associated with what feature?
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Which feature describes the ability to combine smaller units of language in a systematic way to form larger units?
Which feature describes the ability to combine smaller units of language in a systematic way to form larger units?
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The fact that human vocal organs have specific functions for speech is an example of which feature?
The fact that human vocal organs have specific functions for speech is an example of which feature?
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The idea that every signal in a language has an associated meaning is reflected in which feature?
The idea that every signal in a language has an associated meaning is reflected in which feature?
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Flashcards
Vocal-auditory channel
Vocal-auditory channel
Communication primarily through sound, perceived by hearing.
Broadcast transmission and directional reception
Broadcast transmission and directional reception
Language can be heard by many when spoken loudly, but is limited by direction.
Rapid fading (transitoriness)
Rapid fading (transitoriness)
Speech quickly fades and does not persist over time.
Interchangeability
Interchangeability
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Total feedback
Total feedback
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Semanticity
Semanticity
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Arbitrariness
Arbitrariness
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Discreteness
Discreteness
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Displacement
Displacement
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Productivity
Productivity
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Study Notes
Hockett's Features of Human Language
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Vocal-auditory channel: Human language is primarily communicated vocally, perceived through hearing; though writing is a secondary mode.
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Broadcast transmission and directional reception: A speaker can be heard by many, but language signals have a limited reception direction.
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Rapid fading (transitoriness): Speech signals quickly dissipate; they are not stored in the environment for later retrieval unless recorded.
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Interchangeability: Speakers can both transmit and receive language signals.
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Total feedback: Speakers can monitor their own speech while producing it.
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Specialization: Human vocal organs, like lips, tongue, and throat, are specialized for speech production.
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Semanticity: Each signal in language corresponds to a specific meaning.
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Arbitrariness: There's no inherent connection between a word's form (e.g., "bird") and its meaning. Different languages use different words to refer to the same concept (examples provided: "chien," "perro," "pajaro," "vogel," "NIǍO," "burung").
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Discreteness: Language units (sounds) are distinct and categorized; speakers can't blend sounds smoothly from one to the next.
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Displacement: Language allows us to discuss past, future, and nonexistent events or objects (e.g., planets, mythical figures).
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Productivity: Language users can create novel sentences and expressions.
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Traditional transmission: Languages are learned through societal transmission—it's not innate.
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Duality of patterning: Small, distinct language units can be systematically combined to form new expressions.
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Description
Explore the key features of human language as outlined by Hockett. This quiz covers vocal-auditory channels, interchangeability, and more. Test your understanding of how these features distinguish human language from other forms of communication.
