1. “the jewel of the crown of cognition” - Steven Pinker
Language:
“the jewel of the crown of cognition”
- Steven Pinker

2. What is language?
A form of communication that is based on a system of symbols
It is perhaps what separates humans from other species.

3. Language Structure Phonemes Morphemes Words Phrases Sentences
Discourse

4. Grammar: The rules of language
Semantics - deriving meaning from morphemes, words, and sentences
Syntax - rules of how words are ordered
Note that there is productivity in language as well as regularity

5. Can Animals Understand Language?
Washoe- chimpanzee who was taught sign language
Acquired 181 signs
Kanzi- bonobo taught some English
displays understanding of limited vocabulary

6. How does language develop?
6 months = cooing, vowels, babbling
“citizens of the world”
12 months = spoken language sounds only, first words
18-24 months = telegraphic (two-word) speech
By age 6 = understands most grammar rules of language (implicitly!)

7. Can the “citizens of the world” window be lengthened?
Using audiotapes of other languages?
Videos of other languages?

8. A related tangent: Theory of Mind
The understanding of symbolic representations occurs around 48 months of age
This is also the age when theory of mind develops = understanding of others’ mental states

9. Zimmerman, Christakis, and Meltzoff (2007)
Compared language development in children who had been exposed to ‘Baby Einstein’ and ‘Brainy Baby’ DVDs
Found a large negative correlation between watching and language abilities
Avg of 6-8 words lost per hour of watching

10. Critical Period for Language
During this period, we are especially sensitive to environmental influences
Evidence:
Children in isolation do not learn rules of grammar
Recovery after brain damage much more likely earlier rather than later

11. Bilingualism
Simultaneous bilinguals: learned 2 languages simultaneously
Sequential bilinguals: learned one language, then another

12. Age of learning a 2nd language
Phonology: the earlier, the better
Vocabulary: age of acquisition does not matter
Grammar: age does not matter
Brain activation (Hirsch, 1997)
Early bilinguals- same area activated
Later bilinguals- adjacent area activated

13. Biological Influences: Chomsky’s Language Universals
An innate ability to learn language is prewired
Children worldwide develop in similar way around the world
Language ability cannot be solely due to imitation

14. Environmental Influences
Behaviorist view- operant conditioning
Issues
Exposure to language improves and quickens language development

15. Strategies Be an active conversationalist.
Talk as if you’re understood.
Use a style with which you feel comfortable.
Remember, infants shape us, too!