Language Theories and Communication

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Questions and Answers

Which term describes the semantic shift of the word 'gay' from primarily meaning 'happy' to predominantly referring to sexual orientation?

  • Dynamic
  • Productivity
  • Duality of Structure (correct)
  • Transference

Which of the following refers to the basic units of sound in the words 'sit' and 'its'?

  • Productivity (correct)
  • Transference
  • Duality of Structure
  • Dynamic

What concept is illustrated by the act of eavesdropping and relaying a conversation via text?

  • Productivity
  • Transference (correct)
  • Dynamic
  • Duality of Structure

Which of the following sentences suggests a general recommendation about eating a banana?

<p>Eat banana for a healthy snack. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which term represents the capability to convey multiple meanings through language structures?

<p>Duality of Structure (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What do transformationalists assert about language?

<p>Language is innate and universally present in humans. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'Language Acquisition Device' refer to?

<p>A neurological structure that aids in language learning. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT emphasized by transformationalists regarding language?

<p>Language is primarily learned from social interaction. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does 'deep structure' refer to in language?

<p>The underlying meaning behind expressions. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect highlights the universality of language acquisition?

<p>All languages share complex sound structures. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by 'surface structure' in language?

<p>The sounds and forms as they are expressed. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these statements best reflects the view of creativity in language?

<p>Speakers can generate and comprehend novel sentences. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Lenneberg's contribution in 1967 focused on which key concept in language?

<p>The critical period hypothesis in language acquisition. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe the ability of language users to communicate about things that are not present in the immediate environment?

<p>Displacement (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of language is illustrated when John says, 'If I won the lottery, I would travel the world'?

<p>Displacement (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What concept is demonstrated when changing the sound in a word results in a different word, such as 'bat' changing to 'cat'?

<p>Discreteness (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is indicated by the example of the written word 'tree', which has no inherent connection to the actual plant?

<p>Arbitrariness (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which term best describes the concept of language organized at two different levels?

<p>Duality of Structure (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In cultural contexts, what does the use of specific gestures and expressions to convey politeness indicate?

<p>Cultural Transmission (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the property of duality in language refer to?

<p>The combination of individual sounds to create meaning (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following concepts involves understanding that changing a single phoneme can create a different word?

<p>Discreteness (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best illustrates the concept of productivity in language?

<p>Manipulating linguistic resources to form new sentences (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which feature of language refers to the learned nature of the norms and rules of communication within a community?

<p>Cultural Transmission (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of transference in language?

<p>Writing down spoken language and reading it aloud (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about phonemes is correct?

<p>Phonemes gain meaning when combined into larger structures. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of language reflects its dynamic nature?

<p>The integration of neologisms and changes in meaning (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'recursiveness' in language imply?

<p>The capacity to nest phrases within phrases (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of functionalist views in language teaching?

<p>Conveying categories of meaning and functions (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of double articulation?

<p>The combination of 'b', 'a', and 't' to form 'bat' (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do interactionists view the role of language?

<p>As a tool for establishing social relations (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which property demonstrates the limitless potential of language?

<p>Productivity (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In task-based learning, what is emphasized most?

<p>Completion of collaborative tasks requiring communication (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key implication of how we view language?

<p>It can determine the language teaching materials used. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which perspective prioritizes the functions of language over its structural elements?

<p>Functionalist (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the role of language as perceived by interactionists?

<p>Language creates opportunities for social interaction. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of language is most neglected by a strictly structuralist approach?

<p>Functional meanings (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of functionalist language teaching?

<p>Emphasis on grammar rules (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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Study Notes

Language Views

  • Functionalism sees language as a dynamic system for information exchange and expression of meanings such as emotions and instructions.
  • Functional language teaching emphasizes practical use and communicative functions rather than strict grammar.
  • Interactionism views language as a tool for establishing relationships and social transactions through conversation.
  • Task-Based Learning is rooted in interactionism, focusing on collaborative tasks that require real communication in the target language.
  • Transformationalism posits that language is innate, facilitated by a Language Acquisition Device (LAD) in the brain, enabling rapid first language acquisition.
  • Emphasizes the universal ability of children to acquire languages and shared abstract features across languages.

Communication of Meaning

  • Surface Structure: The audible sounds and visual text of language; Deep Structure: The underlying meaning conveyed by those sounds and text.
  • Language can express both present and absent concepts, known as displacement, allowing communication about hypothetical or abstract ideas.

Language Properties

  • Arbitrariness: The connection between words and their meanings is not inherent, as seen in the word "tree," which has no natural relationship to the plant it signifies.
  • Cultural Transmission: Language norms and expressions are learned within cultural contexts, reflecting community politeness.
  • Discreteness: Individual sounds (phonemes) can change meanings, for instance, distinguishing "bat" from "cat."
  • Duality of Structure: Language operates on two levels; distinct sounds can create a variety of meaningful combinations.
  • Dynamic Nature: Language evolves by incorporating new words (neologisms) and meanings, influenced by technology and culture.
  • Productivity: Users can create an infinite number of unique expressions and sentences, showcasing the flexibility of human language.
  • Transference: The ability to write spoken language and read written content aloud illustrates the dual nature of human language.

Semantic Shifts and Language Use

  • Words like "gay" have experienced semantic shifts, representing changes in meaning over time.
  • Language productivity involves basic units (phonemes) creating meaningful combinations and sentences.
  • Practical examples of language functions include text-based translations of spoken communication, demonstrating transference through writing.

Illustrative Examples

  • Sentences reflecting cultural practices or preferences (e.g., eating bananas) illustrate the communicative purpose of language and its function in conveying suggestions or norms.

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