Elements of Language

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Elements of Language

• Phonemes
• Morpheme
• Grammar
• Semantics
• syntax

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Elements of Language
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Aspects of Language

• All languages are complex---even Stone-Age lang.

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Cognition Language

• Decision-making C
• Problem solving B
• Cognitive efficiency A
• Using language A

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Aspects of Language

• O.E.D. 290,500 main entries
• Infinite of sentences

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Language Acquisition

• Babbling stage
• One-word stage
• Two-word stage
• Telegraphic speech

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Language Acquisition

• Skinner-associative acquisition and modeling
  strengthened by operant conditioning

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Language Acquisition

• Chomsky- innate, wired for language, grammar
  switches, support from twin studies

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Language Acquisition

• Cognitive neuroscience- N/N, critical periods,
  statistical analysis

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Language Universals

• 1. Semanticity- sounds of human lang. convey
  meaning.
• 2. Arbitrariness- no inherent connection between
  symbols of lang. And meaning.

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Language Universals

• 3. Flexibility of symbols- connection between
  symbol and meaning is changeable and
  inventable.
• 4. Naming- we name all objects, feelings,
  concepts we experience.

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Language Universals

• 5. Displacement- verb constructions denoting past
  and future allow us to talk of things other than
  the present.
• 6. Productivity- (generativity) we generate and
  create sentences rather than repeat them.

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Thinking w/o Language

• Imagery
• Clarity and Control
• Cognitive maps

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Thinking w/o Language

• Use of Imagery to enhance performance
• Goal imagery
• Process imagery

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Animal Thinking and Language

• Primates
• Bees
• Your pets?