Language Objective: Student will: be able to identify the structural features of language be able to explain theories of language be able to explain stages of language acquisition identify areas of the brain associated with language.

Language – is a system of spoken, gestured, or written symbols that are combined in an unlimited number of meaningful statements for communicating with others.

How do we learn language?

Nature or Nurture? Big surprise, it is both!

Noam Chomsky vs B.F. Skinner Chomsky: Humans have an innate ability to understand and produce language through a device he calls the Language acquisition device (LAD) The ability to acquire grammar is “wired in” to the developing brain, If you don’t use it soon after birth, you lose the ability. Skinner: learned through imitation, reinforcement, shaping, and experience. (Development) Wild-Child and poor little Jenie.

Chomsky’s Theory (nativist theory) We learn language too quickly for it to be through reinforcement and punishment. Inborn universal language acquisition device

Social Learning Theory B.F. Skinner from the Behaviorist School Baby may imitate a parent. If they are reinforced they keep saying the word. If they are punished, they stop saying the word.

Language is developed Piaget and Vygotsky debated language and thought. Piaget: Language represented the stage children were in at the time. When child was in its egocentric stage they carried on a monologue with themselves. Vygotsky: language helped the child to develop into other stages. The child would have to learn more language to become social.

Grammar ….includes rules for: Syntax - which is the order of words in a language Phonemes – basic unit of sound Morphology- the study of the formation of words while Morphemes are the smallest unit of meaning that are governed by semantics-the rules for determining words and sentences. Pragmatics - the practical social expectations and uses of language. The different pitches we use when talking to children and animals.

Syntax, Is a system of rules for combining words and phrases to form grammatically correct sentences. Just a simple reversal of words can cause a different meaning. Is this the White House or the House White?

All languages contain…. Phonemes The smallest units of sound in a language. English has about 44 phonemes. Young babies can produce all phonemes of all languages, for only a short time. By 1 st birthday, you have lost ability to babble in multiple languages and use only native language. Morphemes The smallest unit of meaningful sound. Can be words like a or but. Can also be parts of words like prefixes, or suffixes like ”ed” at the end of a word means past tense.

We learn language in stages… 1.Babbling Stage 2.Holophrastic Stage (one word stage) 3.Telegraphic Speech Stage ( two words – me go) After the telegraphic stage we get overgeneralization – apply a rule too broadly – “me goed”

Pragmatics the practical aspects of communicating with others. Knowing things like how to take turns in conversation. Use of gestures to emphasize points Asking for more information Using higher-pitches Example on youtube: 7CFB9ECAFBB809915D447CFB9ECAFBB809915D44&view=detail&FORM=VIRE7 7CFB9ECAFBB809915D447CFB9ECAFBB809915D44&view=detail&FORM=VIRE7

Other Theories Language and thought are related! Biology of Language

Benjamin Whorf’s Linguistic Relativity The idea language governs our thinking. The Hopi tribe has no past tense in their language, so Whorf says they rarely think of the past.(1956) Cognitive Universalism – states otherwise, says that concepts are universal and are not necessarily shaped by language but may influence language. (1995) Matsumota, 1994 – people who Speak more than one language May feel a different sense of self, Depending on what language They are speaking.

Language can shape our expectations (Henley, 1989) Reformers in the late urged public to replace masculine words to refer to both genders Many thought it was overboard in being politically correct. As many as 20 research results indicate that gender terms do make a difference. Images of fireman and chairman, hard for a woman or society, to think of. Doors of opportunity shut when this happens.

The Biology of Language What are the physical aspects of language? Where in the brain does language form or reside? How does brain damage affect language?

Broca’s aphasia Part of brain which is on the front left side of the cortex of the brain and it’s responsible for generating speech. We know people who have had damage in that area have problems with articulating and being able to generate language; But can comprehend language.

Wernicke’a aphasia major impairment of language comprehension, Damage in the temporal lobe Unable to produce meaningful language.

Do animals use language?

Yes and No It is limited to about the mental age of a three year old. Research has yet to establish that any animals have been able to master syntax.