Linguistics Overview Quiz

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Questions and Answers

Which aspect of language development focuses on the appropriate use of language in social contexts?

  • Syntax
  • Pragmatics (correct)
  • Morphology
  • Semantics

The creation of the phrase 'social distancing' by combining 'social' and 'distancing' to express a new concept is an example of which of the following?

  • Pragmatics
  • Phonology
  • Semantics (correct)
  • Syntax

The sentence, 'Colorless green dreams sleep furiously,' highlights the rules of what?

  • Syntax (correct)
  • Semantics
  • Pragmatics
  • Morphology

The addition of '-ish' to the end of adjectives to modify their meaning is an illustration of which component of language?

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

The difference in the pronunciation of 'p' in 'pie' versus 'spy' demonstrates what language principle?

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

Which of the following best describes the concept of 'discreteness' in human speech?

<p>The limited number of distinct sound units used in speech. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a uniquely human characteristic of speech, according to the provided categories?

<p>The use of language to reflect on and discuss the nature of language itself. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the information provided, which of these is an example of 'arbitrariness' in language?

<p>The lack of a natural relationship between a word's sounds and its meaning. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following theories suggests that language acquisition is inherently linked to cognitive development rather than being a separate process?

<p>The cognitive view. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the concept of 'duality of patterning' refer to in human language?

<p>The ability to produce and understand an infinite number of arrangements of sounds. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes 'semanticity and indexicality' in human speech?

<p>The use of specific messages that convey different meanings based on context. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does 'displacement' refer to in the context of human communication?

<p>The ability to communicate about things that are remote in time and space. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main idea behind the information processing theory regarding language acquisition?

<p>The concept that humans process information akin to a computer, with parallel processing. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary component of the 'social interactionist view' of language acquisition?

<p>The interaction between biological and environmental factors in the process of language development. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of language development, what does the term 'recursion' primarily describe?

<p>The capacity to create complex and embedded arrangements using words and store unusual expressions. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Pragmatics

The study of how language is used in social contexts, including how we establish and maintain relationships through communication.

Semantics

The study of meaning in language, including the relationships between words and the way we construct ideas.

Syntax

The study of how we combine words into grammatically correct sentences, following rules of structure.

Morphology

The study of how words are formed, including the smallest units of meaning (morphemes) that make up words.

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Phonology

The study of the sound system of language, including how sounds are produced and how they are organized in words.

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Phonetics

The study of how speech sounds are produced, perceived, and transmitted.

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Phoneme

The smallest unit of sound in a language that can distinguish meaning.

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Vocal-Auditory Channel

Production of sound through the mouth, which is heard by the listener's ear.

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Broadcast Transmission

Sounds travel through the air as waves.

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Rapid Fading

Vocalizations are temporary and fade over time.

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Total Feedback

Both the speaker and listener understand the message being communicated.

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Specialization

Vocalizations are specifically designed for communication.

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Arbitrariness

No inherent connection between a sound and its meaning.

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Discreteness

Variations in sounds, but limited in number and distinct.

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Traditional Transmission

Learning language through social interaction and observation.

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Study Notes

Pragmatics

  • Pragmatics is the use of language to build and maintain relationships.
  • Examples include polite phone conversation disengagement sequences.

Semantics

  • Semantics deals with the meaning behind language use.
  • Vocabulary creates meaning through word relationships.
  • New words are coined by combining existing words (e.g., social distancing).

Communication Development

Syntax

  • Syntax involves the grammatical structure connecting different words.
  • A sentence's structure can exist without meaning (e.g., "Colorless green ideas sleep furiously").

Morphology

  • Morphology examines word formation using morphemes (units of meaning).
  • Examples include adding "-ish" to adjectives ("blue-ish").

Phonology

  • Phonology uses phonotactic rules/constraints for sound combinations.
  • Sounds change based on surrounding sounds (e.g., "p" in "pie" vs. "spy").

Phonetics

  • Phonetics encompasses speech sound articulation, perception, and acoustics.
  • Speech sounds may differ in production/perception (e.g., the "t" in "wider").

Human Speech Characteristics Shared With Other Species

  • Vocal-Auditory Channel: Sound production via the mouth, heard by the ear.
  • Broadcast Transmission and Directional Reception: Sound waves carry the vocalizations.
  • Rapid Fading: Vocalizations have a time limit.
  • Total Feedback: Sender and receiver acknowledge the message.
  • Specialization: Vocalizations are designed for communication.
  • Arbitrariness: No inherent link between sounds and meaning.
  • Discreteness: Sounds vary, but are limited and distinct.
  • Traditional Transmission: Instinctive and biological acquisition.

Limited or Rare Human Speech Characteristics Shared With Other Species

  • Interchangeability: Unrestricted communication across age and gender.
  • Semanticity and Indexicality: Messages with multiple meanings based on context, background, and non-vocal/dialect cues.
  • Productivity: Creative combinations of symbols for communication.
  • Displacement: Communication beyond present time & place.

Human Speech Characteristics Restricted to Humans

  • Duality of Patterning: Combining sounds infinitely for words & sentences.
  • Recursion: Complex and embedded language arrangements (using words in sentences).
  • Prevarication: Ability to deceive/create expression for art.
  • Reflexivity: Talking about language itself.
  • Learnability: Acquiring language via environment, cognitive ability, and social context.

Language Acquisition Theories

Semantic View

  • Language acquisition is a generative process, driven by semantic relationships, not just structure.
  • Similar to nativist views (Chomsky 1957, Fillmore 1968).

Cognitive View

  • Language acquisition is linked to cognitive development (Piaget).
  • Cognitive organization/development, not language itself is innate.
  • Language acquisition is intertwined with cognitive development.
  • Information processing theory: parallel processing of information (unlike serial processing).

Social Interactionist View

  • Language acquisition arises from biological & environmental interactions.
  • Language development is a consequence of social interaction.
  • A "Language Acquisition Support System (LASS)" is necessary.
  • Developmental stages exist in language acquisition.
  • Vygotsky's Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD) needs to connect with LASS for cognitive/linguistic development.

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