Linguistics: Pidgin and Creole Languages

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Questions and Answers

What is a characteristic of a pidgin?

It is used for official communication

It develops between groups with different languages in contact (correct)

It has a complex grammar system

It is a native language

Which type of bilingualism enhances thinking ability?

Subtractive bilingualism

Sequential bilingualism

Additive bilingualism (correct)

Simultaneous bilingualism

What is a characteristic of a dialect?

It is a language with its own grammar and syntax

It is a language used for official communication

It is a language used for international communication

It is a regional variety of a language distinguished by vocabulary, syntax, and pronunciation (correct)

What is the result of learning a second language on the brain?

It increases gray matter in the left inferior parietal cortex Signup and view all the answers

What is linguicism?

Discrimination or stereotyping based on dialects Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of a creole?

It is a more developed form of pidgin with its own grammar, used as a native language Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of subtractive bilingualism on thinking ability?

It can decrease thinking ability in some cases Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of modern creoles?

They resemble protolanguages, early forms of languages in evolution Signup and view all the answers

What type of lexical error occurs when a speaker substitutes a word with a similar sounding one but with a different meaning?

Malapropism Signup and view all the answers

In metaphorical language, what is the term for the main subject being compared?

Tenor Signup and view all the answers

What type of speech act commits the speaker to a future course of action?

Commissive Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between age and proficiency in a language?

Negative correlation Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for switching the initial sounds of two words to create different words?

Spoonerism Signup and view all the answers

In metaphorical language, what refers to the similarities between the tenor and vehicle?

Ground Signup and view all the answers

What type of speech act states the speaker's psychological state or feelings?

Expressive Signup and view all the answers

What is a consequence of early language acquisition?

Higher proficiency Signup and view all the answers

What is the key idea behind the Dual-System Hypothesis?

Languages are represented in separate systems of the mind. Signup and view all the answers

What is the opposite of linguistic universals?

Linguistic relativity Signup and view all the answers

What is the advantage of bilingualism on cognitive abilities?

Enhances executive functions Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for speakers who use more than two languages?

Multilinguals Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the hypothesis that suggests that languages shape thought and perception?

Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of brain damage on language abilities in bilingual individuals?

Different degrees of impairment in each language Signup and view all the answers

What is the factor that influences language recovery in bilingual individuals after brain damage?

Age of language acquisition Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for languages that emerge as a result of contact between two or more languages?

Pidgin and Creole Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Bilingualism

Pidgin: a simplified communication system that develops between groups with different languages in contact.
Creole: a more developed form of pidgin with its own grammar, used as a native language.

Types of Bilingualism

Additive Bilingualism: a second language adds to a well-developed first language, enhancing thinking ability.
Subtractive Bilingualism: a second language replaces elements of the first language, potentially decreasing thinking ability.

Language Learning Types

Simultaneous Bilingualism: learning two languages from birth.
Sequential Bilingualism: learning one language first, then another.

Neuroscience and Bilingualism

Learning a second language increases gray matter in the left inferior parietal cortex.
Density of gray matter is positively correlated with proficiency.
Damage to a brain region results in roughly equal impairment to both languages.

Dual-System Hypothesis

Suggests languages are represented in separate systems of the mind.
Damage to a brain region leads to different degrees of impairment in each language.

Linguistic Universal

Patterns found across all languages and cultures.
Contrasted with linguistic relativity (Sapir-Whorf).

Brain Damage and Bilingualism

Studies on bilinguals with brain damage show varying patterns of language recovery.
Recovery of languages post-trauma can vary; sometimes the first language recovers first, sometimes the second, and sometimes recovery is equal.
Factors influencing recovery include age of acquisition of the second language and pre-incident language proficiency.

Bilingualism Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages: enhances executive functions (prefrontal cortex benefits).

Language Mixtures and Change

Pidgin and Creole: early acquisition, but individual differences allow some learners to achieve native-like abilities later in life.
Substitution: using one language element instead of another.
Reversal (or transposition): switching the positions of two language elements.
Spoonerism: reversing the initial sounds of two words to create different words.
Malapropism: substituting a word with a similar sounding one but with a different meaning.

Metaphorical Language

Components of Metaphors: tenor, vehicle, ground, and tension.
Tenor: the main subject.
Vehicle: what the tenor is compared to.
Ground: similarities between the tenor and vehicle.
Tension: differences between the tenor and vehicle.

Commissive and Expressive Language

Commissive: commits the speaker to a future course of action.
Example: "If Jack responds, 'I’m busy now, but I’ll help you shovel the snow later.'"
Expressive: states the speaker's psychological state or feelings.
Example: "If Mr. responds, 'I’m delighted to help you shovel the snow.'"

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Description

This quiz covers the basics of pidgin and creole languages, including their characteristics, differences, and types of bilingualism.