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

    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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    Description

    This quiz explores key concepts in linguistics, including bound morphemes, Zipf's Law, and infant language development. Test your understanding of linguistic phenomena and their characteristics through a series of thought-provoking questions. Perfect for students of language and linguistics.

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