Language and Communication (all notes)

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following is a characteristic of bound morphemes?

  • They can stand alone as words.
  • They are typically short in length. (correct)
  • They modify the grammatical properties of a word.
  • They change the meaning or grammatical category of a word.

What is the primary principle behind Zipf's Law of Brevity?

  • Words with more syllables tend to have shorter syllables.
  • Frequently used words are typically shorter in length. (correct)
  • Words that are used more often tend to be longer in length.
  • The more complex a sentence, the shorter its clauses.

Which of the following best exemplifies Menzerath's Law of Compression?

  • A language with more complex grammatical rules has a shorter average sentence length.
  • A word with more syllables tends to have shorter syllables. (correct)
  • A sentence with more clauses tends to have longer clauses.
  • A language with a larger vocabulary has longer words on average.

Based on Heaps' Law, what would you expect to observe in a large corpus of text?

<p>The number of new words decreases as the text length increases. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is 'fast mapping' in the context of word learning?

<p>The ability to connect words to their meanings after a single or few exposures. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe the phenomenon where more frequently used words tend to be shorter in length?

<p>Zipf's Law of Brevity (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT an example of a bound morpheme?

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

What type of morpheme changes the meaning or grammatical category of a word?

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

Which of the following is NOT a linguistic law discussed in the passage?

<p>Darwin's Law of Evolution (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary factor driving the evolution of linguistic laws, according to the passage?

<p>The pressure for languages to become more efficient. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of infant-directed speech?

<p>Complex grammatical structures (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of 'protophones' in infant language development?

<p>They are speech-like sounds that are not directly tied to emotional states. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the developmental stage that marks the transition from pre-linguistic sounds to meaningful speech?

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

What is the main difference between imperative and declarative pointing?

<p>Imperative pointing is used to request something, while declarative is used to share information. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the study by Liszkowski et al. (2006) demonstrate the communicative nature of declarative pointing?

<p>Infants pointed to hidden objects to inform the experimenter of their location, demonstrating an understanding that pointing can be used to share information. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe inconsistencies in language development, such as calling all four-legged animals 'dogs'?

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

What is the main argument made by the Nicaraguan Sign Language (NSL) example?

<p>Children can invent language from scratch, demonstrating an innate capacity for language development. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to Tomasello (2008), what is the significance of human gesture in communication?

<p>Gesture is a uniquely human form of communication that bridges the gap between nonverbal and spoken language. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between 'cooing' and 'babbling' in infants?

<p>Cooing is restricted to vowel-like sounds, while babbling involves consonant-vowel combinations. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the 'Vocabulary Explosion' typically occur in infants?

<p>Infants rapidly acquire new words, at a rate of about 50-100 per month, after they reach a vocabulary of around 50 words. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What research finding supports the claim that gesture development predicts spoken language development?

<p>The number of different gestures used by infants at 14 months predicts their vocabulary size at 42 and 54 months. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of overgeneralization in language development?

<p>A child saying 'goed' instead of 'went'. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the 'Critical Period Hypothesis' in relation to language development?

<p>The critical period refers to a time of peak sensitivity to language learning, after which the ability to acquire language becomes more difficult. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main takeaway from the development of Nicaraguan Sign Language (NSL)?

<p>NSL shows that children can create complex communication systems with intricate grammar and syntax, even without exposure to an existing language. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the key difference between fast mapping and slow mapping?

<p>Fast mapping provides an initial understanding of a word's meaning, but it might be incomplete, while slow mapping refines that understanding through repeated exposure. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the mutual exclusivity principle, children assume what about new words?

<p>New words refer to novel objects, even if they are similar to familiar objects. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a principle of word learning discussed in the text?

<p>The phonetic assumption (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary evidence supporting the existence of the 'shape bias' in word learning?

<p>Children consistently use shape to categorize objects, even when color or texture differs. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the Dax experiment demonstrate about children's language learning?

<p>Children apply the principle of mutual exclusivity when learning new words. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Over-regularization errors are a result of children's tendency to:

<p>Over-apply regular grammar rules to irregular words. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a gesture, according to Hobaiter & Byrne (2011)?

<p>It has a direct physical influence on something. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the taxonomic assumption explain how children learn new words?

<p>Children assume that new words refer to categories of objects that share similar characteristics. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is the 'whole object assumption' considered an efficient, but not perfect, rule for word learning?

<p>While it helps children learn new words quickly, it can lead them to ignore details about specific parts of objects. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of over-regularization error?

<p>{&quot;A&quot;: &quot;I eated my dinner.&quot;, &quot;B&quot;: &quot;The cat sleeped on the bed.&quot;, &quot;C&quot;: &quot;I goed to the store.&quot;, &quot;D&quot;: &quot;He runned away.&quot;} (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by 'duality of patterning' in language?

<p>The existence of patterns in both the sounds and the meanings of language. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is NOT a linguistic law mentioned in the text?

<p>Grimm's Law (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is the shape bias considered an important factor in word learning?

<p>It helps children quickly learn new words based on their shape rather than their color or texture. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of the Dax experiment?

<p>To study how children apply the principle of mutual exclusivity. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential limitation of the 'whole object assumption' in terms of learning language?

<p>It can prevent children from learning the names of specific parts of objects. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of word learning, what is the significance of over-regularization errors?

<p>They demonstrate how children learn language through a process of trial and error. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are some examples of gestures that demonstrate the strong link between cognition and bodily actions?

<p>All of the above. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is declarative pointing considered a significant milestone in a child's development?

<p>It signifies the child's understanding that pointing can be used to share information. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What have studies with 12-24 month olds revealed about their understanding of pointing as a communicative act?

<p>They can understand pointing as a method to inform others about the location of an object. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why are home signs important for understanding the development of language?

<p>They prove that language can develop in isolation, even without exposure to standard languages or sign languages. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How is the development of Nicaraguan Sign Language (NSL) a unique example of language evolution?

<p>It highlights how a community's interaction and innovation can lead to the creation of a new language. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the passage, what is one striking characteristic of home signs?

<p>They show remarkable uniformity across geographically dispersed families. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the key difference between home signs and sign languages like NSL?

<p>Home signs are restricted to specific families, whereas sign languages are used by entire communities. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is it difficult to definitively answer the question of whether language shapes thought?

<p>Most adults are already influenced by language, making it hard to isolate other factors. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the passage suggest about the relationship between speech and gesture?

<p>They operate independently but influence each other. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the passage, what does the term “modality-independence” refer to?

<p>The ability to communicate without relying solely on sound. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is the study of NSL considered significant in understanding the development of language?

<p>It demonstrates that language can be created and developed by a community through continuous interaction. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these was NOT mentioned as a factor contributing to the development of NSL?

<p>The use of Spanish as the dominant spoken language in the community. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What key aspect of language is highlighted by the fact that sign languages share similar properties with spoken languages?

<p>Language is modality-independent, existing across sensory modalities. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is it challenging to determine whether language influences thought?

<p>Most humans have been exposed to language from a young age, making it difficult to isolate its impact on thought. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the key takeaway regarding the development of home signs and sign languages from this passage?

<p>Languages are shaped by interactions within a community and shared experiences across generations. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the passage, what significant insight do home signs provide regarding language?

<p>Home signs show that language can develop without exposure to existing languages, suggesting an innate human capacity for language. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What do the examples of home signs and NSL suggest about the origin and development of language?

<p>Language is a product of social interaction and shared experiences within a community. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the three key elements of communication?

<p>Sender, Message, Receiver (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which view of communication focuses on signals and their evolutionary purpose?

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

Which of the following is NOT a type of communication mentioned?

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

In which aspect does language differ from general communication?

<p>Language uses symbols governed by rules. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of linguistic signals?

<p>They can convey specific meanings. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does information play in communication, according to the informational view?

<p>It helps reduce uncertainty. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a non-verbal communication type?

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

What enables new signals to be formed in a communication system?

<p>An open and generative framework (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of language focuses on the sounds of words?

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

What is the smallest unit of meaningful language called?

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

Which linguistic feature governs the structure of sentences and word order?

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

Which of the following best describes semantics in language?

<p>The meaning of linguistic units (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these phoneme ranges is most common in languages worldwide?

<p>12-85 phonemes (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does pragmatics play in language?

<p>Understanding the social context of communication (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by 'modality-independent' in the context of language?

<p>Language that can be expressed through various forms including speech and gesture (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following features does NOT belong to the universal components of language?

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

What distinguishes homonyms in language?

<p>Words with similar spelling but different meanings (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is the study of primate communication significant in understanding language evolution?

<p>It helps to trace the roots of language without fossil evidence (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis relate to the perception of snow among Inuits?

<p>Inuits have many words for snow, which may influence their conceptualization of it. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did Whorf suggest about the concept of time among the Hopi people?

<p>They have no specific words for time, leading to a unique perception. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did the Piraha people's language affect their numerical abilities?

<p>Their language restricts them to vague terms like 'many' and 'lots'. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the study by Roberson et al. (1999) suggest about color perception?

<p>Lacking color labels can inhibit one's ability to categorize colors. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinction is observed between English and Tarahumara speakers in color discrimination tasks?

<p>English speakers were more sensitive to color variations near word boundaries. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the principle of linguistic relativity suggest about language and thought?

<p>Different languages shape distinct thought processes and worldviews. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key argument against the Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis?

<p>It lacks substantial evidence and relies heavily on anecdotes. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are critics of the linguistic relativity hypothesis arguing about cognitive processes?

<p>They demonstrate universal characteristics across different cultures. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant feature of the relationship between thought and language proposed in the document?

<p>Language shapes thoughts but also reflects pre-existing ideas. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do linguistic infants and animals demonstrate color discrimination?

<p>They show basic color categorization independent of language capabilities. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What best describes the primary characteristic of human vocal learning compared to other animals?

<p>Humans can learn to produce new sounds and vocally imitate. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of referential communication in primates?

<p>Chimpanzees grunting when they see a predator. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What conclusion did Watson et al. (2015) draw regarding chimpanzees' vocalizations?

<p>Chimps can modify their vocalizations influenced by social integration. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of syntax, which statement is true about the order of calls among bonobos?

<p>Syntax in bonobo calls influences the interpretation of food value. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do chimpanzees play in their social environment regarding communication?

<p>They selectively inform friends about food and potential dangers. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic that differentiates dogs from wolves in terms of social orientation?

<p>Dogs exhibit greater tolerance towards outgroups. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the joint activation hypothesis, what is a cognitive consequence of bilingualism?

<p>Both languages are simultaneously active in the brain. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about the learning capacities of great apes' gestures is accurate?

<p>Gestures show intentional control and can be modified by the receiver. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do whale 'dialects' primarily differ from chimpanzee vocalizations?

<p>Whales can modify their vocabularies based on group. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What impact did historical perspectives have on parental attitudes towards bilingualism?

<p>Associated with poor academic skills and confusion. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of primate communication does 'audience effects' refer to?

<p>The intentional adjustment of calls depending on the audience. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What kind of cognitive skills does executive control involve?

<p>Inhibition, attention, and switching. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary effect of bilingualism on an individual’s brain as observed in fMRI studies?

<p>Increased grey matter density. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes referential alarm calls from food calls in primates?

<p>Referential calls provide context about specific threats. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What conclusion can we draw about human language compared to non-human primate communication systems?

<p>Human language is characterized by more sophisticated vocal imitation and syntax. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does bilingualism relate to the concept of language interference?

<p>Bilingualism may cause difficulty mastering either language due to interference. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significant finding of Peal and Lambert (1962) regarding bilingualism?

<p>Bilingual experience enhances mental flexibility and cognitive abilities. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What do meta-analyses suggest about the bilingual advantage?

<p>It may be less noticeable when controlling for additional factors. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the nativist perspective suggest about language acquisition?

<p>Humans have an innate capacity for universal grammar. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does cooperative communication differ from intentional communication?

<p>Cooperative communication does not require intentionality. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How are emotions primarily understood according to constructivism?

<p>Emotions are culturally constructed and socially learned. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Jackson et al.'s 2019 research primarily focus on?

<p>The relationship between emotional words across various languages. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'cooperative communication' emphasize?

<p>Highly cooperative sharing of information between individuals. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which concept highlights the need for shared knowledge in communication?

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

What is an example of an 'ostensive cue'?

<p>A non-verbal gesture indicating attention. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do infants engage with ostensive signals?

<p>They are biased to interpret these signals for learning. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which is a defining feature of human communication absent in most other species?

<p>Intentional sharing of knowledge. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes Gricean Communication?

<p>Understanding communicative intentions. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant difference between human and chimpanzee communication?

<p>Humans understand pointing as informative while chimps do not. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect is NOT a feature of ostensive communication?

<p>Providing random information without context. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do dogs differ from chimpanzees regarding communicative cues?

<p>Dogs have developed unique sensitivity to pointing. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Csibra and Gergely's theory of natural pedagogy emphasize?

<p>The importance of communication in transmitting cultural knowledge. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does perspective taking play in communication?

<p>It enables speakers to ensure messages are understood. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement aligns with the concept of linguistic relativity?

<p>Some aspects of thought and emotion are shaped by language. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was found about individuals in the KE family who had the FOXP2 gene mutation?

<p>They struggled with verbal communication but could perform other cognitive tasks. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is FOXP2 considered a 'regular gene' rather than a 'gene for speech'?

<p>FOXP2 is found in many organisms, not just humans, suggesting its function goes beyond speech. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the 'convergent evolution' of FOXP2 suggest about the development of speech?

<p>Speech development in different species likely diverged from a common ancestor. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a main claim of the Motor Theory of Speech Perception?

<p>Speech perception is based on identifying the sound patterns of speech, not the gestures used to produce them. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key difference between the Motor Theory and the Auditory Theory of Speech Perception?

<p>The Motor Theory highlights the role of the motor system in speech perception while the Auditory Theory focuses on acoustic properties. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the information presented in the text about orangutans challenge the common misconception about primate vocalization?

<p>It demonstrates that orangutans can produce complex vocalizations, contradicting the idea that they are limited to simple calls. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the text suggest about the evolutionary relationship between human speech and vocal learning in other animals?

<p>The text suggests that human speech is not entirely unique but built upon ancient evolutionary systems, with evidence of vocal learning capabilities in various animals. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to understand that speech processing is distributed across the brain?

<p>It provides evidence for a more complex understanding of how the brain processes information. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The text describes multiple systems and structures involved in speech production. What does this suggest about the evolutionary history of human speech?

<p>Human speech is a complex adaptation built upon a gradual accumulation of evolutionary changes. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the text explain the reason why humans have a lower larynx compared to other primates?

<p>A lower larynx is a necessary adaptation for human speech production. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Based on the text, which of the following would be considered the most likely source of difficulty for non-human primates in vocal imitation?

<p>Limited neural connections between the vocal cords and brain. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main point of the text regarding the theories of speech perception?

<p>Both theories contribute to understanding speech perception, but neither is universally accepted or fully explains the process. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the text imply about the future of research on speech and language development?

<p>future research will likely involve studying the interaction of various genes and brain regions involved in speech development. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the text, which of the following is NOT described as a key component of speech production?

<p>Cognitive processes. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the text suggest about the role of environmental factors in speech development?

<p>Environmental interaction is a major factor in speech development, but it comes after a genetic predisposition. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the key takeaway about the human ability to speak?

<p>Humans' capacity for speech is based on a combination of genetic factors, anatomical adaptations, and environmental interaction. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is NOT a type of gesture?

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

What is the primary difference between sign language and gestures?

<p>Sign language has a structured grammar, while gestures are often context-specific. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of gesture is used to represent a concrete aspect of a thing, such as its physical attributes?

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

In the context of the "cube rotation task", what is the relationship between gesture production and task difficulty?

<p>More gestures are produced during harder tasks. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the "information packaging hypothesis" related to gestures?

<p>Gestures help speakers organize complex information into manageable units. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How can gestures influence speech comprehension?

<p>Gestures can convey information that is not spoken, enhancing comprehension. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which group of people tends to benefit more from speech-accompanying gestures?

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

The "Manual McGurk Effect" demonstrates how:

<p>Gestures can influence the sounds we hear. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a benefit of gestures as discussed in the text?

<p>Improved handwriting skills (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the "Embodied Cognition" theory?

<p>The theory that our thoughts are influenced by our physical interactions with the world. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main idea conveyed by the statement "Gestures are not just for communication"?

<p>Gestures have a cognitive function beyond facilitating communication. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of an emblem gesture?

<p>Giving a thumbs-up to express approval. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the text suggest about the role of gestures in mathematical problem-solving?

<p>Gestures can help students to better understand and solve math problems. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a finding specifically mentioned in the text regarding gestures and language comprehension?

<p>Gestures have a minimal impact on individuals' perception of speech. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What specific research finding supports the idea that gestures can aid word recall?

<p>Research by Rauscher et al. (1996) on gesture blocking and speech fluency (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the core message of the provided text?

<p>Gestures are an essential part of human communication and cognition. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a core argument for the Nativist perspective on language acquisition?

<p>Language is acquired through experience and general cognitive processes. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a limitation of the Nativist perspective on language acquisition?

<p>Nativist theories often emphasize word learning and syntax, neglecting other socio-cognitive aspects like attention, working memory, and scaffolding. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a strength of the Empiricist perspective on language acquisition?

<p>The level of speech children are exposed to shapes their language proficiency. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a core argument for the Empiricist perspective on language acquisition?

<p>Language is acquired through exposure, interaction, and general cognitive processes. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a stage of language learning based on the content provided?

<p>Pre-linguistic stage (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a core argument for the Interactionist perspective on language acquisition?

<p>Language acquisition involves the interplay of genetic predispositions, cognitive processes, social interactions, and cultural input. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of domain-specific cognitive abilities involved in language acquisition?

<p>Language-specific neural pathways (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following accurately describes the role of caregivers in language acquisition from the Interactionist perspective?

<p>Caregivers actively shape the language environment, simplifying sentences and providing scaffolding, which helps children acquire language. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a domain-general cognitive ability that contributes to language acquisition?

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

Which of the following statements accurately reflects the relationship between the Empiricist and Interactionist perspectives on language acquisition?

<p>The Interactionist perspective integrates elements of both the Nativist and Empiricist perspectives. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the "sensitive period" in language acquisition?

<p>It is a period when language acquisition is the most efficient and successful, but not the only time when it's possible. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements accurately describes the role of genetics in language acquisition?

<p>Genetics provides a foundation for language acquisition, but environmental factors also play a significant role. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The example of sign language development in Nicaragua suggests what about language acquisition?

<p>It supports the idea that humans have an innate capacity for language, even in the absence of existing language models. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a key feature of the Developmental Systems approach to language acquisition?

<p>It highlights the continuous and reciprocal interactions between genes, environment, and social factors in shaping language development. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a key argument supporting the claim that language is not solely learned through experience?

<p>Children benefit from extensive language exposure, but starting younger is consistently more advantageous than simply having more exposure to the language. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of child-directed speech?

<p>Use of complex vocabulary and grammatical structures (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the core concept behind the term 'Duality of Patterning' in language?

<p>The combination of meaningless units into meaningful units. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a feature of recursion in language?

<p>Combining multiple phonemes into a single morpheme. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main argument against the idea that non-human animals exhibit true 'compositionality' in their communication systems?

<p>Animals lack the cognitive capacity to understand abstract rules. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the key difference between 'word recursion' and 'phrase recursion'?

<p>Word recursion focuses on meaning within a single word, while phrase recursion focuses on meaning across multiple words. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is the study of 'Morphology' crucial to understanding language structure?

<p>It examines the rules governing the internal structure of words. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is a key difference between a word and a morpheme?

<p>A word can stand alone, while a morpheme cannot. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following demonstrates the principle of compositionality in language?

<p>The way new words are created through the combination of existing morphemes. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason why even language-trained apes fail to demonstrate recursion in their communication?

<p>Their cognitive abilities are insufficient for tracking complex nested structures. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the McGurk effect in understanding speech perception?

<p>It demonstrates how vision can influence our perception of speech sounds, suggesting a role for motor cues in speech processing. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements BEST reflects the current understanding of speech perception?

<p>Speech perception involves a combination of innate mechanisms and learned experiences. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of the 'Mutual Exclusivity' principle in word learning?

<p>Assuming that a new word refers to something that has not yet been named. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of the 'Object Assumption' principle in word learning?

<p>A child learns the word 'cat' by associating it with a furry animal that meows. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is TRUE regarding the FOXP2 gene and its role in speech and language?

<p>The FOXP2 gene is a key factor in the evolution of human speech and language. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the MAIN implication of research involving language-trained apes?

<p>Human language abilities have unique features not found in other species, even with extensive training. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Communication

The act of transferring information between individuals or groups.

Sender

The person or group that initiates communication.

Message

The information that is being conveyed in communication.

Receiver

The person who receives and interprets the communication.

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Adaptionist view

Viewing communication as evolved signals affecting behavior, enhancing survival.

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Informational view

Belief that biological signals carry information reducing uncertainty.

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Types of communication

Includes vocal, facial, olfactory, gestural, bodily, and visual.

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Language

A sophisticated, symbol-based system governed by hierarchical rules for communication.

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Communicative flexibility

The ability to learn and produce new vocal sounds, unlike most animals with fixed repertoires.

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Vocal learning

The process by which an individual can reproduce new vocal sounds through imitation.

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Referential communication

Vocalizations that convey meaning about objects or events, an early form of semantics.

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Playback experiments

Tests where calls are played back to animals to observe their reactions, revealing meaning.

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Referential alarm calls

Specific calls by animals like vervet monkeys indicating danger and suggesting an escape plan.

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Evolution of syntax

The arrangement of linguistic elements that alters meaning; order is crucial in communication.

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Audience effects

The influence of an audience on communication, where animals adjust their signals based on recipients.

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Great ape gestures

Intentionally produced body movements by apes to communicate, adaptable and learned over time.

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Intentionality in gestures

The purpose-driven aspect of gestures, showing clear communication intent among apes.

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Chimpanzee communication

Chimpanzees use specific calls to convey food presence or danger, showing social awareness.

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Syntax

The rules that govern the structure of sentences in a language.

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Semantics

The study of meaning in language, including words and sentences.

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Phonology

The organization and sound system of speech in a language.

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Morphology

The study of the structure of words and how they are formed.

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Phonemes

The smallest units of sound that can distinguish meaning in speech.

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Morphemes

The smallest meaningful units in a language, such as roots and affixes.

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Pragmatics

The aspect of language that deals with context and social rules.

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Modality-independent

Refers to language that can be expressed in various forms, like speech and sign.

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Animal communication

Various types of communication used by animals, distinct from human language.

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Common ancestor

An ancestral species from which two or more species have evolved.

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Vocabulate

Infants are proactive in shaping their learning experiences.

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Protophones

Speech-like sounds produced by infants not tied to emotion.

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Cooing

Vowel sounds produced by infants around 2 months.

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Babbling

Meaningless speech sounds produced by infants from 4 to 8 months.

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Infant-directed speech

Speech characterized by short, simple sentences and exaggerated tones used with infants.

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Vocabulary explosion

Rapid increase in vocabulary that occurs around 18 months as infants learn 50+ words.

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Overgeneralization

When children incorrectly apply regular grammatical rules broadly (e.g., 'runned').

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Gesture development

The use of gestures begins around 10-12 months and predicts later language skills.

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Nicaraguan Sign Language (NSL)

A new sign language developed by deaf children in Nicaragua in the 1970s-1980s.

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Pointing (imperative)

Pointing to request something, like indicating an object.

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Pointing (declarative)

Pointing to share information and direct attention.

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Communication through pointing

Tomasello describes pointing as a uniquely human way to share attention.

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Biological predispositions

Innate tendencies that influence language acquisition, seen in babbling even among deaf infants.

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Cultural specificity of babbling

Babbling patterns are influenced by the native language of the child.

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Declarative pointing experiment

Study showing infants can use pointing to inform adults about object location (Behne et al. 2005).

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Free Morphemes

Morphemes that can stand alone as words (e.g., dog, run).

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Bound Morphemes

Morphemes that cannot stand alone (e.g., -s, -ed).

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Inflectional Morphemes

Morphemes that change grammatical properties but not meaning (e.g., -s in dogs).

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Derivational Morphemes

Morphemes that change the meaning or category of a word (e.g., un- in unhappy).

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Zipf’s Law of Brevity

Commonly used words tend to be shorter.

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Menzerath’s Law of Compression

Longer structures have shorter components (e.g., longer sentences have shorter clauses).

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Heaps' Law

As text length increases, new vocabulary growth slows down.

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Fast Mapping

Children's ability to quickly link new words to meanings after minimal exposure.

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Evolutionary Linguistics

Study of how languages change over time due to cultural pressures.

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Bonobo and Chimpanzee Gestures

Gestures between bonobos and chimpanzees overlap significantly in meaning.

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Syntax in Primates

Primates can combine calls into meaningful sequences.

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Intentional Communication

Primates adjust their calls based on the audience.

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Nature vs. Nurture Debate

Discussion on whether language development is innate or learned.

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Nativist Perspective

Humans are biologically programmed to acquire language.

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Language Acquisition Device

An innate mechanism, proposed by Chomsky, for language learning.

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Core Knowledge Systems

Innate frameworks in infants that help them learn about the world.

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Sensitive Period

A time in development when language can be easily acquired.

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Empiricist Perspective

Language learning is based on experience and observation, not innate mechanisms.

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Domain-Specific vs. Domain-General

Domain-specific suggests specialized mechanisms for language; domain-general involves general cognitive processes.

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Interactionist Perspective

Language acquisition involves both biological predispositions and environmental influences.

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Babbling Stage

Children produce repetitive consonant-vowel patterns starting around 4-8 months.

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Telegraphic Speech

Short, concise sentences used by children, usually 5 words or less, by 24-30 months.

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Cultural Influence on Language

Language development is shaped by social interactions and cultural context.

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Categorical speech perception

The ability to distinguish speech sounds like phonemes based on categories.

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High amplitude sucking study

An experiment measuring infants' sucking reflex to test speech sound discrimination.

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Motor theory

The idea that speech perception is based on understanding vocal production gestures.

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Auditory theory

The idea that speech perception is based on innate auditory abilities, not just motor skills.

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McGurk effect

A perceptual illusion where visual and auditory components combine to influence speech perception.

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Chinchilla study

Research showing chinchillas can discriminate phonemes via avoidance conditioning.

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Language-trained chimpanzee

Panzee knows 128 English words, indicating speech perception ability in primates.

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Kanzi

A language-trained bonobo who demonstrates advanced speech perception skills.

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Duality of patterning

The principle that meaningless units (phonemes) combine to form meaningful units (words).

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Recursion in language

The nesting of rules and meanings within language structures to create complexity.

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Compositionality

The principle that meaning of complex expressions is derived from meanings of parts and their combinations.

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Phoneme categorization

The ability of individuals to group sounds into specific categories based on perception.

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Genetic basis for speech

Research showing genetic factors, like FOXP2 mutations, influence human speech and language abilities.

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Slow Mapping

The gradual process of refining a word's meaning over time through exposure and context.

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Mutual Exclusivity

The principle that different words refer to different meanings, expecting no overlap.

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Whole Object Assumption

The assumption that a word refers to an entire object, not its parts.

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Taxonomic Assumption

The tendency to categorize new words by taxonomic relationships rather than themes.

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Shape Bias

The inclination to apply the same name to objects of the same shape rather than color.

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Over-Regularisation

The application of regular grammatical rules to irregular words, leading to mistakes.

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Recursion

The ability to nest rules and meanings in language, allowing for complex sentences.

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The Dax Experiment

A study to explore mutual exclusivity by mapping novel words to novel objects.

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Gestures

Movements of body parts to express thoughts or emotions without physical effect.

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Socially Directed Gestures

Gestures aimed at others to convey meaning or intention.

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Goal-Directed Gestures

Gestures performed with a specific purpose in mind.

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Mechanically Ineffective Gestures

Gestures that do not alter the physical world but serve communicative purposes.

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Linguistic Laws

The rules that describe the structure and dynamics of languages and communication.

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Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis

The theory that language influences thought and perception.

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Inuit's words for snow

Inuits have over 100 terms for snow, influencing their perception of it.

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Hopi concept of time

Hopi language lacks words for specific time units, such as hours.

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Piraha numeracy

Piraha people have no terms for large numbers, affecting their counting ability.

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Categorical perception of color

Ability to categorize colors is influenced by language but not solely dependent on it.

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Roberson et al. (1999) study

Study showing a brain-damaged patient struggled with color names and categorization.

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Kay & Kempton (1984) study

Demonstrated differing color discrimination between English and Tarahumara speakers.

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Linguistic relativity vs universalism

Relativity suggests language varies by culture; universalism states some cognitive processes are the same for all.

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Bidirectional influence

Language and thought influence each other, not just one way.

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Chomsky's critique

Chomsky argues that Whorf's theory lacks strong evidence for linguistic determinism.

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Gestures vs Sign Language

Gestures are context-specific; sign language has structure and rules.

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Iconic Gestures

Gestures that represent attributes of objects or actions visually.

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Emblem Gestures

Culturally specific gestures that convey meanings without words.

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Metaphoric Gestures

Gestures that represent abstract concepts or ideas.

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Pointing Gestures

Gestures used to direct someone's attention to something.

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Beats in Gesture

Gestures that maintain speech rhythm but lack semantic content.

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Cube Rotation Task

A study showing that gestures enhance problem-solving ability.

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Information Packaging Hypothesis

Gestures help organize and simplify complex information for communication.

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Gestures in Math

Using gestures to improve children's understanding and problem-solving in mathematics.

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Gesture-Blocked Speech

When speakers can't gesture, their speech becomes less fluent.

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Acoustic Properties Altered

Gestures influence the sound characteristics of speech, like pitch and frequency.

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Manual McGurk Effect

Gestures influence the perception of sounds in speech.

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Gestures in Speech Comprehension

Gestures help listeners understand complex instructions better.

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Embodied Cognition

Theory that the body plays a role in thinking, not just the brain.

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Enhanced Learning for Children

Children benefit more from instruction that includes gestures.

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Whorf's Theory

The idea that language shapes thought and perception.

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Cooperative Communication

A collaborative act of sharing information between individuals.

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Bilingual Advantage

The cognitive benefits that bilingual individuals experience.

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Joint Activation Hypothesis

Both languages are active simultaneously in a bilingual's brain.

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Excutive Control

Cognitive skills that involve managing attention and planning.

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Neuroplasticity

The brain's ability to reorganize and adapt based on experiences.

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Language Interference

Confusion caused by mixing two languages in bilinguals.

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Grey Matter Density

The amount of grey matter in the brain, associated with cognitive function.

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Assessing Bilingualism

The complexities involved in measuring bilingual competence.

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Constructivism

Theory stating emotions are culturally constructed and socially learned.

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Jackson et al. (2019)

Study mapping emotion words across 2474 languages to find cultural differences.

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Linguistic relativity

The idea that language influences thought and emotion, but not entirely.

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Common Ground

Shared knowledge and beliefs between communicators necessary for understanding.

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Ostensive Cues

Signals that indicate a communicator's intention to inform the recipient.

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Natural Pedagogy

Theory suggesting human communication aids in fast social learning.

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Gricean Communication

Intentional communication involving sharing information effectively.

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Pointing in communication

Using gestures to direct others' attention to share knowledge.

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Dog's sensitivity to cues

Dogs can understand human pointing cues due to domestication.

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Social learning in infants

Infants learn from communicative cues in their environment.

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Cultural differences in emotion words

Emotion words can vary greatly across different cultures.

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Theory of Mind

The ability to understand others' thoughts and perspectives.

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Pointing

A communicative gesture used by infants to indicate an object's location.

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FOXP2 Gene

A gene linked to speech and language abilities, found on chromosome 7.

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Speech Development Stages

Predictable phases children go through while learning to speak.

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Neural Mechanisms for Speech

Complex brain networks involved in processing speech.

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Anatomical Adaptations

Physical changes in humans that enhance speech production.

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Motor Control in Speech

Ability to coordinate movements for producing speech sounds.

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Convergent Evolution

Independent evolution of similar traits in different species.

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Auditory Theory of Speech Perception

Understanding speech based on its sound properties.

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Motor Theory of Speech Perception

Involves perceiving vocal tract gestures during speech.

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Informative Pointing

Infants use pointing to share knowledge about object locations.

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Speech Perception

The ability to recognize and categorize speech sounds.

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Communication Evolution

Development of speech and language based on ancient systems.

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Symbolic gestures

Gestures that represent ideas or objects, emerging around 10-12 months.

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Declarative pointing

Pointing to share information or direct attention, starting at 12 months.

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Imperative pointing

Pointing used to make a request or demand something.

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Home signs

Personal gesture systems created by deaf children in non-signing families.

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Modality-independent language

Language ability that doesn’t rely on a specific form, like spoken or signed.

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Linguistic properties

Characteristics that define language, such as syntax and semantics.

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Declarative pointing study

Research showing infants point to inform others about object locations.

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Creativity in language

Children can invent language forms, seen in home signs and NSL.

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Age of pointing

The age at which a child begins to point correlates with vocabulary development.

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Cognitive development and gestures

Cognitive processes are linked with gestures in communication.

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Nature of sign languages

Sign languages possess equivalent linguistic structures as spoken languages.

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Communicative intent

Understanding that gestures (like pointing) convey intentions to inform others.

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Study Notes

Language and Thought

  • Linguistic Relativity Hypothesis (Sapir-Whorf): Different languages lead to different ways of thinking. Language structure and vocabulary influence cognition and worldview.

  • Support for Linguistic Relativity: Claims include:

    • Hopi language's concept of time might differ from Western views, as the Hopi language lacks specific terms for time.
    • Pirahã language's lack of numerical terms might restrict their understanding of large numbers.
    • Studies on color perception suggest that language can influence categorical perception.

  • Color discrimination task (Kay & Kempton, 1984): English vs. Tarahumara speakers differ in their ability to distinguish colors due to differences in their language's color terms.

  • Arguments against Linguistic Relativity: Some argue that basic cognitive processes (like color perception) are universal and not fully shaped by language. Others propose that thought and culture influence language.

  • Cooperative Communication: Humans share information and adjust language based on their listeners. Common ground is crucial.

  • Intentional Communication (Grice): Speakers intentionally signal their intent to convey information. Ostensive cues aid in communicating intention.

Bilingualism and the Brain

  • Historical view: Bilingualism was once viewed negatively, associating it with confusion, retardation or interference.

  • Modern understanding: Research shows bilingualism can boost cognitive flexibility and executive control (inhibition, attention, planning)

  • Bilingual Advantage: Bilinguals may exhibit superior cognitive flexibility.

  • Joint Activation Hypothesis: Bilinguals activate both languages simultaneously in their brains even when using one. This constant activation aids in cognitive control.

  • Neuroplasticity: Bilingualism is linked to grey matter changes in the brain, potentially correlating with cognitive improvement.

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