Psycholinguistics Chapter 9: Language and Culture
48 Questions
3 Views

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to Lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

According to the information, what is the relationship between speech comprehension and speech production in typical child development?

  • Speech production and comprehension alternate in their developmental precedence.
  • Speech comprehension develops before speech production. (correct)
  • Speech production always precedes speech comprehension.
  • Speech comprehension and production develop independently and at the same rate.

What did Huttenlocher's study of young children aged 10 to 13 months demonstrate about their language abilities?

  • Their comprehension and production skills were perfectly synchronized.
  • They could produce speech at a level beyond their comprehension.
  • They could comprehend speech at a level beyond their production abilities. (correct)
  • They showed no discernible progress in either comprehension or production during the study period.

Sachs and Truswell's research indicated that children in the one-word stage of speech production:

  • Demonstrated comprehension skills equivalent to their production abilities.
  • Could understand syntactic structures composed of more than one word. (correct)
  • Were unable to comprehend any spoken language.
  • Could not understand syntactic structures composed of more than one word.

In the Steinberg and Steinberg (1975) research, what ability did a 2-year-old boy develop before being able to verbalize it?

<p>The ability to understand the meaning of written words, phrases, and sentences. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the the following best describes the view presented regarding meaningful speech?

<p>Meaningful speech requires prior understanding of the speech's meaning. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What theoretical perspective aligns with the idea that production attempts to align with the comprehension system?

<p>Production attempts to co-ordinate with comprehension. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the content suggest about the progression of language acquisition concerning specific language elements such as syntax and figurative speech?

<p>The pattern of comprehension preceding production continues throughout the acquisition process. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to Clark and Hecht (1983), what process is the child attempting to undergo with language production?

<p>To co-ordinate production with the comprehension system. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to research, what primarily influences the creation and application of vocabulary?

<p>Interest in and need for specific concepts. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the example of children's knowledge of dinosaur names suggest about the relationship between language and perception?

<p>Children's interest and perception lead them to learn relevant vocabulary. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the text describe vocabulary that ceases to be useful?

<p>It gradually falls out of use due to lack of need. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the contrast between knowledge of horse-related vocabulary and automobile vocabulary illustrate?

<p>The shifting emphasis in language based on cultural relevance and practical needs. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the example of the Dani language suggest about colour vocabulary?

<p>Some cultures categorize colors differently, using a smaller set of terms. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the correlation between vocabulary size and the comprehension of related concepts?

<p>The need for a concept promotes vocabulary development related to that concept. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the claim made by the text about the relationship between language and perception, regarding vocabulary?

<p>Perception influences the vocabulary that one will acquire. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do children learn dinosaur names?

<p>Children develop interest in a topic through perception, which leads to vocabulary acquisition. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between speech comprehension and speech production?

<p>Speech comprehension is the basis for speech production in the mind. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why does the act of telling a lie pose a problem for the behaviorist theory that equates thought with speech?

<p>Lying necessitates saying one thing while thinking something different, which behaviorism struggles to explain with a single sentence-making apparatus. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is Skinner's view on the origin of thought, as presented in the text?

<p>Skinner considered behavioural responses, such as muscular or glandular activities, to be a basis for thought, in addition to speech. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did experiments in the 1950s, that influenced behaviorist psychologists, demonstrate about the relationship between thought and bodily activity?

<p>The experiments revealed changes in electrical potential in specific body parts when subjects were instructed to think of certain motor activities. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary argument presented against the idea that language determines world view?

<p>Diverse language speakers often share political, social and religious beliefs. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What critical requirement must a psycholinguistic theory meet in order to adequately account for the phenomenon of lying?

<p>It must allow two distinct processes with different content to occur at the same time. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best exemplifies how cultural and historical events, rather than language, shape ideologies?

<p>The adoption of Communist doctrine in countries with vastly different languages. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the implication of speech comprehension for the existence of thought?

<p>Speech comprehension implies the existence of thought. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the content, what was Karl Marx's role in the spread of Communist doctrine?

<p>He was a German speaker whose writings originated Communist doctrine. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do behaviorists explain covert speech (speaking to oneself or subvocally) in relation to overt speech (speaking aloud)?

<p>They use the same process of sentence creation for both, distinguishing them only by whether the pronunciation is overt or covert. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the Chinese government's approach to teaching English suggest about their views on language and ideology?

<p>They control ideological content through the sentences used in English lessons. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the phrase, "The issue of lying demonstrates that the Behaviourist cannot define thought out of existence!"?

<p>The necessity of distinct thought processes that occur whilst lying proves that Behaviourism's reduction of mental processes is untenable. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese grammars compared to German grammar?

<p>They are as grammatically distant from German as languages can be. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the passage contrast the influence of language versus cultural/historical events?

<p>Cultural and historical events are highlighted as key in shaping ideologies, despite language differences. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of English does the Chinese government not fear, regarding its potential influence?

<p>The grammar itself, independent of its content. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the first author's wife's involvement in Chinese politics when she began learning English?

<p>She was a Red Guard and a member of the Communist Youth League. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What do modern linguistic researchers assert about the complexity of languages?

<p>All languages are equally complex. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which conclusion did Whorf mistakenly draw about the Hopi people?

<p>Their language lacked any concept of time. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did Labov's research on Black English demonstrate?

<p>The utterances of Black English speakers can be understood through learned premises. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What assertion did Whorf make about the Hopi language?

<p>It contains no reference to time either explicit or implicit. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which concept did Chomsky introduce that changed the study of language?

<p>The concept of language universals. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What erroneous belief did observers traditionally hold about primitive languages?

<p>They reflect a lack of rational thought in their speakers. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was a common misconception among earlier linguists regarding grammatical differences?

<p>They thought grammatical differences led to thought differences. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which assumption was common among Sapir and Whorf regarding primitive societies?

<p>They believed primitive grammar reflected primitive intelligence. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary characteristic attributed to all languages according to modern linguists?

<p>They operate under similar principles. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary assertion about the relationship between words and their meanings?

<p>Meaning is conventionally assigned and not inherently tied to sound. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What flawed concept did earlier theorists hold regarding 'primitive peoples'?

<p>They argued that such peoples had primitive languages with inferior grammar. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which linguist is noted as an earlier initiator of the search for language universals?

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

Which assertion about language and intellect is deemed erroneous?

<p>All languages convey the same level of intelligence. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did Whorf's assertions lack according to subsequent linguists?

<p>Evidence to support his statements. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is indicated about the sound of a word when it is first encountered?

<p>There is no necessary relationship between sound and meaning. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which linguistic phenomenon is described as an exception to the conventional relationship between sound and meaning?

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

Flashcards

Speech Comprehension

The ability to understand spoken language, which develops first in children.

Speech Production

The act of forming words and sentences; it develops after comprehension.

Developmental Process

The sequence in which speech comprehension occurs before speech production in children.

Parallel Development

Speech comprehension and production develop simultaneously, with comprehension leading.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Syntactic Structures

Grammatical constructions that children can understand even when they can only produce single words.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Idiom Acquisition

The process of children learning non-literal phrases or expressions in language.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Understanding Before Speaking

Children must comprehend language meaning before they can use it productively.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Findings of Research

Studies show children understand more than they can say, highlighting comprehension's precedence.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Thought Without Speech

The idea that thinking can occur without verbal expression.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Telling a Lie

The act of expressing a falsehood while knowing the truth.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Behaviourist Theory

A perspective suggesting that behavior is fundamental to understanding thought.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Overt vs. Covert Sentences

Overt sentences are spoken; covert sentences are internal or subvocalized.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Psycholinguistic Theory

A theory that emphasizes distinct processes of thought and speech.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Behavioural Responses and Thought

Skinner posited that physical responses can indicate thought processes.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Electrical Potential Changes

Physiological changes in the body when thinking about actions.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Vocabulary Determination

Interest and need primarily determine vocabulary use, not the other way around.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Interest and Need

Personal interest and necessity motivate the acquisition of vocabulary.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Horse Vocabulary Example

People today have less horse-related vocabulary due to decreased need and interest.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Dinosaur Enthusiasm

Children are more likely to learn vocabulary for topics they find fascinating, like dinosaurs.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Perception's Role

Perception influences interest, which leads to the acquisition of related vocabulary.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Limited Colour Vocabulary

Some languages have very few words for colours, impacting perception of them.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Dani Language Example

The Dani language uses only two colour words, reflecting a simple perception of colour.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Concept and Vocabulary Link

Lack of specific vocabulary does not mean a lack of understanding or concept.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Whorf's Language Hypothesis

The idea that language shapes thought and perception, suggesting that grammatical structures influence cognitive processes.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Surface Structure

The literal arrangement of words in a sentence which may not represent the underlying meaning.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Hopi Language Feature

The Hopi language lacks explicit references to time, highlighting differences in grammatical structure.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Chomsky's Contribution

Noam Chomsky proposed that underlying structures of language reveal similarities across different languages.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Language Universals

Features or characteristics common to all human languages, identified through Chomsky's work.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Conventional Meaning of Words

The relationship between words and their meanings is arbitrary, based on social agreement rather than necessity.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Onomatopoeia

Words that imitate sounds from the environment, such as 'buzz' or 'bang'.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Morpheme Understanding

A unique unit of meaning in language; understanding composite words relies on recognition of morphemes.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Primitive Languages

Languages considered simple or undeveloped; no such language exists.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Chomsky's Assertion

All languages share similar complexity in structure and function.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis

Claims language shapes thought, and primitive languages reflect primitive thinking.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Non-Standard Speakers

Speakers of dialects often wrongly seen as illogical; logic exists in their language.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Hopi Concept of Time

Whorf's claim that Hopi language lacks time concept, later viewed as flawed.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Erroneous Belief in Primitive Intelligence

The false idea that some cultures have inferior intellect due to language.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Cultural Assumptions

Preconceived notions about other cultures influencing understanding.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Logic in Everyday Speech

Underlying logic in utterances that seem illogical at first glance.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Similar World Views

Different languages can share similar political and social beliefs.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Impact of Language on World View

Language does not solely determine how people view the world.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Christian Doctrine

A belief system embraced by speakers of various languages.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Communist Doctrine

Political ideology found in diverse linguistic communities.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Karl Marx

The German speaker who originated Communist ideas.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Language Learning in China

Chinese government promotes English language education despite political ideology.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Grammar Influence

Chinese grammar is significantly different from German and English grammar.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Cultural Adoption

Political ideologies are adopted due to cultural and historical contexts, not language alone.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Study Notes

Chapter 9: Language, Thought, and Culture

  • Language, thought, and culture are central topics in psycholinguistics
  • Throughout history, people have questioned whether speech/language is needed for thought
  • Language may influence culture and perception
  • Robert Meyer's case in 1920 highlights the issues discussed
  • A Nebraska law prohibited teaching languages other than English to children under 13 (1919 Siman Act)
  • Meyer taught German, violating the law
  • Meyer was found guilty and appealed to the Nebraska Supreme Court
  • The Supreme Court overturned the conviction, stating that knowledge of a foreign language wasn't harmful

9.1.2: Distinguishing a "Safe" from a "Harmful" Second Language

  • Whether a second language is safe depends on the society's values
  • Determining 'good' languages is complex and contentious
  • Are certain languages inherently linked to political or social ideologies?

9.2: Four Theories Regarding the Dependence of Thought and Culture on Language

  • Theory 1: Speech is essential for thought. Thinking is equivalent to internal speech
  • Theory 2: Language is essential for thought. Thought depends directly on language for formation
  • Theory 3: Language shapes our perception of nature. Specific vocabularies affect how we perceive the world
  • Theory 4: Language shapes our cultural world view. Language inherently shapes perspectives on culture, society, and reality

9.3: Theory 1: Speech is Essential for Thought

  • Proponents of this theory view thought as a form of behavior arising from speech production
  • Behaviourists like Skinner, Watson, Staats, Bloomfield, and Liberman held this view
  • They define thought as subvocalized speech
  • Articulatory movements and sensory effects mediate between stimulus and perception

9.3.2: Inadequacies of Theory 1

  • Children can think without speech
  • Speech comprehension often precedes speech production
  • Thinking and speaking are not always simultaneous
  • People can lie (speech and thought can vary independently)
  • Thoughts can occur without behavior

9.4: Theory 2: Language Is Essential for Thought

  • Proponents, such as Sapir, Whorf, and Vygotsky believed language is essential for thought
  • Language shapes how people perceive the world
  • Language influences cultural beliefs
  • Different languages produce different worldviews.

9.4.2: Inadequacies of Theory 2

  • Deaf people can think without language
  • Multilinguals have a single worldview, despite being fluent in multiple languages
  • Language and thinking are distinct
  • Language does not dictate worldviews

9.5: Theory 3: Language Determines or Shapes Perception of Nature

  • Language profoundly influences how we perceive the world
  • Different languages may lead to different ways of thinking and understanding the world
  • The claim that vocabulary determines concepts is not supported by substantial evidence

9.5.2: Inadequacies of Theory 3

  • Perception and need drive vocabulary development, not the other way around
  • Evidence of color vocabulary and Hopi language doesn't prove that language defines our world view
  • Language may not be the sole source or means of defining our concepts

9.6: Theory 4: Language Shapes Our Cultural Worldview

  • Some theorists propose that a language system influences cultural perspectives, social realities, and worldviews
  • Belief that language systems form different thought systems for those who speak it
  • Language can be used to describe cultural concepts and norms

9.6.2: Inadequacies of Theory 4

  • People sharing the same language can hold different beliefs
  • Same language speakers often have varying perspectives and world views
  • Worldviews can change over time despite the stability of language

9.7: Erroneous Beliefs Underlying the Four Theories

  • Errors in theoretical understanding of language and thought
  • Erroneous belief 1: Inadequate analysis of language. Assumes language’s surface structure directly reflects all its meaning.
  • Erroneous belief 2: Meaning originates within language. Linguistic understanding is not the only source of meaning.
  • Erroneous belief 3: Primitive languages and human intelligence. These are not meaningful distinctions to make for human understanding, logic, or intelligence

9.8: The Best Theory: Thought Is Independent of Language

  • Locke advocated that thought is independent of language
  • Language provides a means to express thoughts more accurately and comprehensibly.

9.8.2: Development of Thought Preceeds Development of Language

  • Thought development precedes speech development (sequencing of thought, speech understanding, speech production)
  • "Thinking in language" is often an inaccurate concept
  • Language can change worldviews, and experiences, but not necessarily in a directly linked way

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Quiz Team

Related Documents

Chapter 9: Language, Thought, and Culture PDF

Description

Explore the intricate connections between language, thought, and culture in this chapter of psycholinguistics. Delve into historical cases, such as Robert Meyer's challenge against restrictive language laws, and examine theories surrounding the societal implications of second languages. This quiz will test your understanding of the complexities involved in language influence on thought and culture.

More Like This

Use Quizgecko on...
Browser
Open
Browser
Browser