2. how we combine spoken\written words as we think and communicate
Language:
how we combine spoken\written words as we think and communicate
Warm up: Fill in the blanks
__ __e __o__o__ __e__.
__e__ i __ a __o__u__a__ __o__o__ i__ __u__a__ __u__ __u__e. I__ __a__ __ __ __ __o__i__e __o__e, __o__e__, __a__ __e__, __o__a__ __ __, o__ a__ e__e__ __e__ __ __. I__ i__ a __o__o__ __o__ __ __ __i__ __ __a__ a__ __ __a__e__ __i__e‘__ __a__. I__ __a__ __e a “__e__ __e__ __e__ __a__” o__ __ou __a__ “__e i__ __ __e __e__.” __ __ea__i__ __ __e__ __a__ __oo__ __ __ou__ __o__ __i__e__ __e.

3. Language: Structure

4. smallest distinctive sound unit in language
Language: Structure
Phonemes
Morphemes
smallest distinctive sound unit in language
ex: ch (chug) vs th (thug)
Example:
how many phonemes and morphemes are in the word “cats”
Phonemes: Morphemes:
4: C, A, T, S
2: CAT, S
smallest unit of language that carries meaning
ex: prefixes (pre-) or suffixes (-ed)

5. system of rules that allows us to understand one another
Grammar
system of rules that allows us to understand one another
Semantics
ex:
Syntax
ex:
rules to derive meaning from morphemes, words, sentences
rules we use to order words into sentences
adding -ed to laugh means that it happened in the past
(lang. dependent) adjectives before nouns: White House instead of Casa Blanca

6. Context is important. gun binoculars
The spy sees the police officer with the ______________
The spy sees the police officer with the _______________
binoculars

7. Language: Development

8. Language: Development
Stage 1: Babbling 1 2
4 months
10 months 3
Babbling: random noises of all languages - can hear differences between noises 4 5 6 7 8
babbling shifts towards native language - only uses sounds that baby hears 9 10 11

9. Whole Object Constraint
Stage 2: One word
12 months
18 months
Over Extension
Under Extension
Whole Object Constraint 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 11
first word - one word means a sentence
word concept is too narrow
“dog” = only my dog, and no other
word concept is too broad
“dog” = all dogs in the world
word explosion - 20 per week
assumption that word applies to entire object, rather than quality or part (pencil example)

10. Stage 3: Two Word (telegraphic)20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 19
24 months
follows rules of syntax… ish

11. Twin Languages Cryptophasia or idioglossia = “secret twin language”
Considering how much time twins spend together, how do you think this happens?

12. Language: Acquisition Theories

13. Language: Acquisition Theories
Skinner
Operant Learning
association:
Imitation:
reinforcement:
Chomsky
Inborn Universal Grammar
language acquisition device:
Universal grammar:
language development is all about simple learning principles
Given adequate nurture, language develops naturally
our brain is designed to acquire language
sights of things = sounds of words
your word use = word use of others
all languages have same building blocks
smiles and hugs = use those words again!

14. Statistical Learning and Critical Periods
Language: Acquisition Theories
Statistical Learning and Critical Periods
Critical Periods:
childhood is designed to master language
age 3 - deadline to start learning language without penalty
age 7 - lose ability to master ANY language
age 9 - learning second language will have accent

15. Language and Thinking

16. Whorf’s Linguistic Determinism Hypothesis
Language and Thinking
Whorf’s Linguistic Determinism Hypothesis
Criticism of Whorf:
Immersion Programs
our words may not determine what we think, rather influence
Bilingualism
Visualization
language imposes different conceptions of reality
(determines thinking)
Thinking in images
Nondeclarative/procedural memory
Shows much of information processed occurs outside of consciousness (only occasionally surfaces as conscious words)