Module 14: Language After reading the module, define the following terms using the text as well as answer the following questions regarding language acquisition. Language: Language is a special form of communication in which we learn and use complex rules to form and manipulate symbols (words or gestures) that are used to generate an endless number of meaningful sentences. Word: A word is an arbitrary pairing between a sound or symbol and a meaning. Grammar: Grammar refers to a set of rules for combining words into phrases and sentences to express an infinite number of thoughts that can be understood by others. Phonology: Phonology (FO-nahl-uh gee) specifies how we make the meaningful sounds that are used by a particular language. Phonemes: Phonemes (FOE-neems) are the basic sounds of consonants and vowels. Morphology: Morphology (MOR-fal-uh-gee) IS the system we use to group phonemes into meaningful combinations of sounds and words. Morpheme: A morpheme is the smallest meaningful combination of sounds in a language. Syntax/grammar: Syntax or grammar is a set of rules that specifies how we combine words into meaningful phrases and sentences. Semantics: Semantics (si-MANT-iks) specifies the meaning of words or phrases when they appear in various sentences or contexts. Surface structure: Surface structure refers to the actual wording of a sentence, as it is spoken. Deep structure: Deep structure refers to an underlying meaning that is not spoken but is present in the mind of the listener. Transformational rules: Transformational rules are procedures by which we convert our ideas from surface structures into deep structures and from deep structures back into surface ones. Chomsky’s theory of language: Chomsky’s theory of language says that all languages share a common universal grammar and that children inherit a mental program to learn this universal grammar. Babbling: Babbling, which is the first stage in acquiring language, includes sounds that are most common across all languages. Single words: Single words mark the second stage in acquiring language, which occurs at about one year of age. Parentese/motherese: Parentese (motherese) is a way of speaking to young children in which the adult speaks in a slower and higher than normal voice' emphasizes and stretches out each word, uses very simple sentences' and repeats words and phrases. Two-word combinations: Two-word combinations are strings of two words that express various actions ("Me play," "See boy") or relationships ("Hit ball," "All gone milk"). Sentences: Sentences range from three to eight words in length and indicate a growing knowledge of the rules of grammar. Telegraphic speech: Telegraphic speech is a distinctive pattern of speaking in which the child omits articles, prepositions, and parts of verbs. Basic rules of grammar: Basic rules of grammar are the rules for combining nouns, verbs, and adjectives into meaningful sentences. Overgeneralization: Overgeneralization means applying a grammatical rule to cases where it should not be used. Innate language factors: Innate language factors are genetically programmed physiological and neurological features that facilitate our making speech sounds and learning language skills. Critical language period: The critical language period is the time from infancy to adolescence when language is easier to learn Environmental language factors: Environmental language factors refer to interactions children have with parents, peers, teachers, and others who provide feedback that rewards and encourages language development, as well as providing opportunities for children to observe, imitate, and practice language skills. Social learning approach: Social learning approach emphasizes the role of observation, exploration, and imitation in acquiring language skills. In what way is a “word” a symbol? Is a “word” a real thing? A word is a symbol for the simple fact that it is a picture that means something. A “word” isn’t a thing, it is a concept that humans have created. Explain the four rules of language using the word “caterpillar” The first language rule governs phonology. Phonology (FOF-nahl-uh-gee) specifies how we make the meaningful sounds that are used by a particular language. The second language rule governs morphology. Morphology (MOR-fal-uh-gee) is the system we use to group phonemes into meaningful combinations of sounds and words. The third language rule governs syntax or grammar. Syntax or grammar is a set of rules that specifies how we combine words to form meaningful phrases and sentences. The fourth language rule governs semantics. Semantics (si-MANT-iks) specifies the meaning of words or phrases when they appear in various sentences or contexts. Explain the two parts of Chomsky’s theory of language. Chomsky’s theory of language says that all languages share a common universal grammar and that children inherit a mental program to learn this universal grammar. Describe the process of language acquisition. .Innate physiological features. Our specially adapted vocal apparatus (larynx and pharynx) allows us to make sounds and form words. The structures of gorillas' and chimpanzees' vocal apparatus prevent them from making the wide variety of sounds necessary to form words (Pinker, 1994). .Innate neurological features. Areas in the left hemisphere of the brain that are involved in language are larger than similar areas in the right hemisphere (Stromswold, 1995). These findings suggest that the left hemisphere is primed or pre-wired for language. .Innate developmental factors. There is a critical time period for acquiring language (Rymer, 1993; Stromswold, 1995). For example, immigrant children do very well in learning English as a second language, while immigrant adults do less well (Jackendoff, 1994). .Innate mental grammar. The human brain appears to be genetically programmed with a mental grammar. According to Chomsky (1957, 1980), this innate mental grammar explains why children in all cultures acquire the complex rules of grammar with little formal training or schooling. Is language learned or in-born? Meaning, would you speak a language if you were never taught one? Is speaking language a natural thing? Or do you have to be taught in order to speak language? Prove it. Humans are born with the ability to communicate. All language is, is a different variation of communication amongst the different cultures. All humans (mute/non-verbal persons not included) eventually come to know & speak at least one language.