Language

Joviltė Beržanskytė PSbns09-01

Content:

• Elements of language• Language development• The Influence of language to thinking• Do animals use language?

Language’s Language: elements of language

• Grammar- the system of rules that determine how our thoughts can be expressed.

• Phonology- the study of the smallest units of speech, called phonemes

• Syntax- ways in which words and phrases can be combined to form sentences.

• Semantics - the rules governing the meaning of words and sentences.

Language development:

• Babble - meaningless speech like sounds made

by children. • Critical period- period in early life in which child is most sensitive to language cues and easily learn

language.

Language development:

Telegraphic speech- sentences in which word not critical to message are left out.

Overgeneralization - the phenomenon by which children apply language rules even when the application results in an error.

3 month – 1 year

Babbling

After 1 year

Two-word combinations

Age of 2 Telegraphic speech

Age of 3 More difficult forms of language. Overgeneralization phenomenon

Age of 5 Basic rules of language

The Influence of language to thinking

Linguistic-relativity hypothesis- the notion that language shapes and may determine the way people in particular culture perceive and understand the world.

A newer version of linguistic-relativity hypothesis suggests that speech patterns may influence just certain aspects of thinking.

Do animals use language?

Washoe, who was 42 years old, could use about 250 distinctive

American Sign Language signs

However critics content that the language such animals use still lacks the grammar and the complex

and novel constructions of human language. Chimp Washoe

Conclusion

Language is communication of information through symbols. It can not only help people communicate with each other it is also closely tied to the very way in which people think and understand the world.

References

Robert S. Feldman Understanding psychology 7th Edition. Inc 2008

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2003986892_washoe01m.html (taken 2010.03.16)

http://www.childdevelopmentinfo.com/

development/language_development.shtml (taken

2010.03.16)

http://flowstate.homestead.com/cute-baby-pictures.jpg (picture taken 2010.03.16)

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/99/316408546_b1c4bb249e.jpg (picture, taken 2010.03.16)

Thank you for your attention

Any questions?