Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which of the following features is unique to human communication?
Which of the following features is unique to human communication?
- Reflexivity (correct)
- Immediate validity
- Genetic predisposition
- Fixed reference
What feature characterizes animal communication by having a fixed repertoire of vocal signals?
What feature characterizes animal communication by having a fixed repertoire of vocal signals?
- Arbitrariness
- Productivity
- Duality
- Single fixed forms (correct)
Which type of signals in communication are non-intentional and may be meaningful to a receiver?
Which type of signals in communication are non-intentional and may be meaningful to a receiver?
- Reflexivity
- Genetic predisposition
- Informative signals (correct)
- Arbitrariness
What feature of human communication allows the creation of an unlimited number of complex new utterances?
What feature of human communication allows the creation of an unlimited number of complex new utterances?
Which feature of human language relates to the absence of natural resemblance between a linguistic sign and its meaning?
Which feature of human language relates to the absence of natural resemblance between a linguistic sign and its meaning?
What is a characteristic of animal communication related to the vocal signal's meaning at the moment of vocalization?
What is a characteristic of animal communication related to the vocal signal's meaning at the moment of vocalization?
What is the term for a set of two words that are identical except for the change of one phoneme?
What is the term for a set of two words that are identical except for the change of one phoneme?
Which word formation process involves combining two words to form a new one, such as 'boy' and 'friend' forming 'boyfriend'?
Which word formation process involves combining two words to form a new one, such as 'boy' and 'friend' forming 'boyfriend'?
What is the study of possible phoneme combinations in a given language called?
What is the study of possible phoneme combinations in a given language called?
Which type of syllable ends on a vowel and is called an open syllable?
Which type of syllable ends on a vowel and is called an open syllable?
What is the term for the feature of syllables which are noticeably more prominent than others?
What is the term for the feature of syllables which are noticeably more prominent than others?
In phonetics, what is an individual phone which is a variation of the same phoneme called?
In phonetics, what is an individual phone which is a variation of the same phoneme called?
What does the term 'acronyms' refer to in the context of language?
What does the term 'acronyms' refer to in the context of language?
Which type of syllable ends on a consonant and is called a closed syllable?
Which type of syllable ends on a consonant and is called a closed syllable?
What is the term for a phonological unit which organizes the arrangement of phonemes in words?
What is the term for a phonological unit which organizes the arrangement of phonemes in words?
What is the term for a group of words which are identical except for the change of one phoneme, such as /bet/, /vet/, /met/, /pet/?
What is the term for a group of words which are identical except for the change of one phoneme, such as /bet/, /vet/, /met/, /pet/?
Animals have a genetic predisposition to use a wide variety of vocal signals.
Animals have a genetic predisposition to use a wide variety of vocal signals.
Human language predominantly exhibits natural resemblance between linguistic signs and their meanings.
Human language predominantly exhibits natural resemblance between linguistic signs and their meanings.
Animal communication allows for the creation of an unlimited number of complex new utterances.
Animal communication allows for the creation of an unlimited number of complex new utterances.
Human language has a fixed repertoire of vocal signals that are used for communication.
Human language has a fixed repertoire of vocal signals that are used for communication.
Animals use communicative signals intentionally to convey meaningful messages to a receiver.
Animals use communicative signals intentionally to convey meaningful messages to a receiver.
In human language, linguistic signs cannot be broken down into simpler meaningful or meaning-changing units.
In human language, linguistic signs cannot be broken down into simpler meaningful or meaning-changing units.
Minimal pairs are identical words except for the change of one phoneme.
Minimal pairs are identical words except for the change of one phoneme.
An open syllable ends on a nucleus, which is a vowel or diphthong, with or without a coda.
An open syllable ends on a nucleus, which is a vowel or diphthong, with or without a coda.
Stressed syllables are produced with less energy than unstressed syllables.
Stressed syllables are produced with less energy than unstressed syllables.
Phonotactics is the study of possible phoneme combinations in a given language.
Phonotactics is the study of possible phoneme combinations in a given language.
Allophones are individual phones that are not related to any specific phoneme.
Allophones are individual phones that are not related to any specific phoneme.
Borrowing is a word formation process that involves combining two words to form a new one.
Borrowing is a word formation process that involves combining two words to form a new one.
An acyclic syllable ends on a consonant and is called a closed syllable.
An acyclic syllable ends on a consonant and is called a closed syllable.
Minimal syllables are the most common type of syllables in human languages.
Minimal syllables are the most common type of syllables in human languages.
Vowels with coda, such as /ˈiːzi/ (easy), belong to the weak category of syllables.
Vowels with coda, such as /ˈiːzi/ (easy), belong to the weak category of syllables.
Coinage is a word formation process that involves blending two words to form a new one.
Coinage is a word formation process that involves blending two words to form a new one.
Flashcards are hidden until you start studying
Study Notes
Unique Features of Communication
- Unique human communication involves the ability to create an unlimited number of complex new utterances.
- Animal communication is characterized by a fixed repertoire of vocal signals, limiting their ability to express novel ideas.
Intentional vs Non-Intentional Signals
- Non-intentional signals in communication may still be meaningful to a receiver, highlighting differences in communication intent between humans and animals.
Linguistic Characteristics
- Absence of natural resemblance between a linguistic sign and its meaning defines a key feature of human language, allowing for abstract thought and expression.
- Linguistic signs in human language cannot be easily broken down into simpler meaningful units, adding complexity to language use.
Phonological Concepts
- Minimal pairs consist of groups of words that are identical except for the change of one phoneme (e.g., /bet/, /vet/).
- Phonotactics studies possible phoneme combinations within a given language, critical for understanding language structure.
Syllable Types and Features
- Open syllables end on a vowel or diphthong and can exist without a coda, while closed syllables conclude with a consonant.
- Stressed syllables are produced with greater energy than unstressed syllables, affecting pronunciation and rhythm in speech.
Variants and Formation Processes
- Allophones are variations of the same phoneme, showcasing the phonetic diversity within a language.
- Borrowing involves combining two distinct words to create a new term, exemplified by the formation of 'boyfriend' from 'boy' and 'friend'.
- Coinage represents another word formation process, blending terms to introduce new concepts.
General Observations
- Animals possess a genetic predisposition for a variety of vocal signals, indicating innate communication capabilities.
- While human language often shows a significant disconnect between signs and meanings, animal communication tends to reflect immediate situational meanings of vocalizations.
- Minimal syllables, prevalent in many human languages, typically end with a vowel, marking their simplicity and frequency in spoken language.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
