The Study of Language Chapter 2

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary object of linguistic study?

Animal communication

Body language

Human language (correct)

Computer programming language

Which of the following is NOT a property of human language?

Productivity

Displacement

Intentionality (correct)

Cultural transmission

What does the concept of 'displacement' in language refer to?

The use of slang in different cultures

The capacity to discuss topics beyond the present moment (correct)

The ability to manipulate sounds

Creating new words from existing ones

Which field is concerned with language acquisition and learning?

Psycholinguistics Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes human communication from animal communication?

Humans can discuss abstract concepts Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of language provides the ability to create endless meaningful sentences?

Productivity Signup and view all the answers

What does 'arbitrariness' mean in terms of language?

Words have no direct relation to their meanings Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is related to the study of language within social contexts?

Sociolinguistics Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes human language from animal communication in terms of symbol use?

Humans are creative with symbols. Signup and view all the answers

Which conclusion can be drawn about Washoe and Kanzi related to human linguistic capabilities?

They interacted using a symbol system chosen by humans. Signup and view all the answers

Why is reflexivity considered a special property of human language?

It allows for self-reference in communication. Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between a communication system with productivity and one with fixed reference?

Productive systems can generate an infinite number of messages. Signup and view all the answers

How did the Gardners demonstrate that Washoe was not just mimicking signs from humans?

Washoe produced new signs independently. Signup and view all the answers

What method did Sara use to communicate with humans?

Using plastic shapes as word symbols Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the key criticisms made by psychologist Herbert Terrace regarding animal communication studies?

Chimpanzees merely mimic signs without understanding. Signup and view all the answers

How did Kanzi learn to use symbols?

By observing others and being exposed to symbols Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant development in Kanzi's communication abilities by the age of eight?

He understood spoken English at a level comparable to a two-and-a-half-year-old child. Signup and view all the answers

What type of symbols did Lana use for communication?

Symbols on a large keyboard linked to a computer Signup and view all the answers

Why are researchers skeptical about animals' linguistic skills?

Animals may not understand the meanings behind the symbols they use. Signup and view all the answers

What did the Gardners argue in response to Terrace's criticisms?

Entities like Washoe can use forms correctly in the absence of humans. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following words did Kanzi develop a vocabulary for?

Common objects Signup and view all the answers

What does arbitrariness in human language imply?

Different languages can use distinct signs for the same concept. Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic describes the ability of humans to continuously create new expressions?

Productivity Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes human language from animal communication?

Humans possess the ability for cultural transmission. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term duality refer to in the context of human language?

The existence of two levels: sounds and meanings. Signup and view all the answers

How is cultural transmission displayed in human language acquisition?

Language is acquired through interaction within a cultural context. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key limitation of animal communication compared to human language?

Animal signals are fixed and do not express new ideas. Signup and view all the answers

In terms of linguistic forms, what does productivity allow humans to do?

Use a finite set of words to create infinite expressions. Signup and view all the answers

Why can an infant raised in an English-speaking environment learn English instead of their biological parents' language?

Language is culturally transmitted and influenced by the environment. Signup and view all the answers

What does the duality of levels in human language allow for?

It allows for a large number of distinct meanings from a limited set of sounds. Signup and view all the answers

Which property of human language allows reflection on its uses?

Reflexivity Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of attempts to teach chimpanzees spoken language?

Chimpanzees could comprehend spoken language but could not produce it. Signup and view all the answers

What did Gua and Viki have in common in their language learning attempts?

Both were capable of understanding more words than they could produce. Signup and view all the answers

Why are animal communicative signals considered fixed?

They lack the flexibility to create combinations of sounds. Signup and view all the answers

What was a key limitation in teaching chimpanzees spoken language?

They did not have the physical capability to produce speech sounds. Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of Washoe's upbringing in relation to her language learning?

She learned sign language as a result of living in a human environment. Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect differentiates human language from animal communication?

Human language allows for the creation of new meanings from existing sounds. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

What is Linguistics?

Linguistics is scientifically studying human natural language.
It includes established theories, analytic methods, and practical applications.
Focuses on human language rather than broader interpretations like body or programming languages.

Internal Knowledge of Language

Language knowledge involves understanding sound systems, word meanings, and sentence formation.
This knowledge is internal and resides in the mind.

Areas of Applied Linguistics

Sociolinguistics
Language acquisition and learning
Psycholinguistics
Computational linguistics

Communication in Animals vs. Humans

Animals communicate through sounds and signals, but this is distinct from human language.
Human language is a major distinguishing attribute from animal communication.

Properties of Human Language

Displacement: Ability to discuss events and entities beyond the immediate context.
Arbitrariness: No inherent connection between linguistic forms and their meanings; different languages can assign different words to the same concept.
Productivity: Humans can create an infinite number of expressions; animal signals are fixed and specific.
Cultural Transmission: Language is learned and passed through generations; not instinctive like animal communication.
Duality: Language operates on two levels: a limited set of sounds and an unlimited combination of meanings.
Reflexivity: Ability to reflect on language and discuss its use, unlike animals.

Studies on Animal Communication

Chimpanzees: Attempts to teach chimps human language have faced limitations; they lack the vocal structure for human speech.
Research examples:
- Gua: Understood words but did not produce them.
- Viki: Produced basic sounds but not clear speech.
Washoe learned over 100 signs in American Sign Language, forming simple sentences.
Sara used plastic shapes to represent words, communicating sentences through combinations.
Lana interacted via symbol keyboards, successfully generating requests.

Skepticism in Animal Language Understanding

Researchers debate whether animals genuinely understand human language or merely respond to stimuli.
Using symbols does not equate to comprehension; animals may not grasp the meanings underlying the signals.
Herbert Terrace argued that responses are often misinterpreted as meaningful communication rather than mere imitation.

Kanzi's Learning Experience

Kanzi learned symbols incidentally, developing an extensive vocabulary comparable to human toddlers.
He evidenced an understanding of spoken English and created unique sounds for specific objects.

Distinction of Human Language Abilities

Human language showcases a distinctive creativity with symbols, a trait not observed in animals.
Washoe and Kanzi demonstrated some ability to interact using humans' symbol systems, but did not reach the proficiency of preschool-aged children.

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Description

Dive into Chapter 2 of 'The Study of Language' where we explore the fascinating connection between animals and human language. This chapter outlines the scientific study of linguistics, including its methods and applications. You'll uncover the core concepts that differentiate human communication from other forms of language.