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Questions and Answers
What does patterning refer to in English language?
Patterning in English refers to the restrictions on which items can occur together and the order in which they come.
How is language viewed in terms of patterning?
Language can be seen as an intricate network of interrelated elements where every item derives its identity from the overall pattern.
Explain structure-dependency in language operations.
Language operations are structure-dependent, relying on an understanding of the internal structure of a sentence rather than just the number of elements involved.
What is the significance of adding -ed to a verb in English?
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How does structure-dependency affect sentence construction in English?
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Study Notes
Key Concepts in Human Language vs Animal Communication
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Arbitrariness of Symbols
- No intrinsic connection exists between words and their meanings; for example, 'lion' has no inherent relationship to the animal itself.
- Onomatopoeic words (e.g., quack, beep) are exceptions where sound reflects meaning, but they are few in number.
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Learning Requirement
- Animals instinctively communicate without prior learning; their communication is genetically programmed.
- Humans require extensive learning to acquire language, which is culturally transmitted and necessitates social interaction.
- Isolated individuals do not naturally acquire language skills, highlighted by rare documented cases.
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Duality in Language Structure
- Human language has two layers: the physical layer of sounds and a layer of meaningful units, known as duality or double articulation.
- In contrast, animal vocalizations consist of a limited range of basic sounds, with different capacities across species (e.g., cows produce under 10 sounds, while a fox has over 30).
Comparative Analysis of Human and Animal Communication
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Communication Methods in Animals
- Animals utilize various methods to communicate:
- Crabs use clashing claws.
- Bees perform complex dances.
- Birds, dolphins, and other species employ sound signals.
- Sound as a signaling method is not exclusive to humans.
- Animals utilize various methods to communicate:
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Evolutionary Perspective on Language
- Organ systems used for human speech evolved from basic functions like eating and breathing.
- Language may have developed later in human evolution, suggesting a tie between speech capabilities and biological evolution.
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Limitations of Signaling in Animals
- Animal communication often has a direct link between signals and intended messages (e.g., a threat signal correlates with aggressive behavior), highlighting a contrast with the arbitrary nature of human language.
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Description
Test your knowledge on features of human language such as arbitrariness and the need for learning. Explore the concept of arbitrariness and how it relates to the design of human language. Discover the importance of learning in human communication.
