Podcast
Questions and Answers
What distinguishes human language from other forms of communication found in the animal kingdom?
What distinguishes human language from other forms of communication found in the animal kingdom?
- The use of gestures exclusively
- The ability to use informative signals
- The presence of intentional communicative signals (correct)
- The use of vocal sounds only
Which type of signal is characterized by unintentional communication?
Which type of signal is characterized by unintentional communication?
- Symbolic signals
- Informative signals (correct)
- Intentional signals
- Communicative signals
In what way does human language exhibit special properties over animal communication systems?
In what way does human language exhibit special properties over animal communication systems?
- It allows for the expression of abstract concepts (correct)
- It relies solely on vocalization
- It includes several dialects based on regions
- It is purely instinctual and does not require learning
What is a defining feature of communicative signals in human language?
What is a defining feature of communicative signals in human language?
Which statement best describes the significance of language in distinguishing humans from other animals?
Which statement best describes the significance of language in distinguishing humans from other animals?
What characteristic of animal communicative signals is highlighted?
What characteristic of animal communicative signals is highlighted?
What outcome can be expected for an infant adopted by English speakers in the U.S.?
What outcome can be expected for an infant adopted by English speakers in the U.S.?
Which statement best describes innate behavior in animals?
Which statement best describes innate behavior in animals?
How does language acquisition in infants relate to their environment?
How does language acquisition in infants relate to their environment?
Which of the following reflects a misunderstanding about animal communication?
Which of the following reflects a misunderstanding about animal communication?
What does duality refer to in the context of human language?
What does duality refer to in the context of human language?
Which aspect of language is influenced by duality?
Which aspect of language is influenced by duality?
How does duality enhance our understanding of language?
How does duality enhance our understanding of language?
Which of the following statements about duality is true?
Which of the following statements about duality is true?
What might be a consequence of understanding duality in language?
What might be a consequence of understanding duality in language?
What does Herbert Terrace argue about the behavior of chimpanzees in research settings?
What does Herbert Terrace argue about the behavior of chimpanzees in research settings?
What is the primary criticism that Terrace has about research involving chimpanzee sign language?
What is the primary criticism that Terrace has about research involving chimpanzee sign language?
According to Terrace, what do trained animals fail to do when they produce signs in response to cues?
According to Terrace, what do trained animals fail to do when they produce signs in response to cues?
What aspect of chimpanzee sign production does Terrace believe is often misrepresented?
What aspect of chimpanzee sign production does Terrace believe is often misrepresented?
What mechanism does Terrace attribute to the sign production in chimpanzees?
What mechanism does Terrace attribute to the sign production in chimpanzees?
What does arbitrariness in language refer to?
What does arbitrariness in language refer to?
Which statement best exemplifies the property of arbitrariness in language?
Which statement best exemplifies the property of arbitrariness in language?
Why is it said that animal communication focuses on the 'here and now'?
Why is it said that animal communication focuses on the 'here and now'?
In what way is human language unique compared to animal communication?
In what way is human language unique compared to animal communication?
What fundamental aspect does arbitrariness challenge in language?
What fundamental aspect does arbitrariness challenge in language?
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Study Notes
Unique Aspects of Human Language
- Establishes a major distinction between humans and other animals.
- Comprises informative signals (e.g., body language) and communicative signals (intentional messages).
Key Properties of Human Language
- Human language differs from animal communication due to its complexity and abstraction.
- Animal communication often relates to immediate contexts (“here and now”).
Arbitrariness
- No inherent connection exists between words (linguistic forms) and their meanings; this relationship is arbitrary.
- Unlike humans, animals produce signals instinctively, not flexibly.
Language Acquisition
- A child's language environment shapes linguistic ability, as shown by an infant adopted by English speakers who will speak English regardless of biological heritage.
Duality
- Refers to two levels of language: the pronunciation of sounds and the meanings they convey.
Controversy in Animal Communication Research
- Psychologist Herbert Terrace argued that chimpanzees mimic signs without true understanding of language.
- Claims researchers misinterpret chimpanzee behavior as conversational participation when it is merely conditioned responses.
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