Chapter 9: Language

Many organisms have inter-species communication

Language: system for communication using signals combined, according
to rules of grammar to convey meaning.
Grammar: set of rules that specify how units of language can be combine
to produce meaningful message.
Major distinctions between the human language and other animal
communication:
Complex structure, definition of intangible things, use to categorize and
think

Human Language Basic Structure

Phoneme smallest units of sound that are recognizable as speech
Morpheme smallest meaningful units of language
Context (content) morpheme things and event (noun)
Function morpheme grammatical function, time
Phrase combination of morphemes governed by syntactical rules
Different Phonological, Morphological, and Syntactical rules for different
languages.
Language Development
- Up to 6 months old babies can distinguish between all sounds in all
languages
- 10-12 months: First words; mama; usually nouns; fast mapping
single exposure
24 months: Two words sentences; give cookie;
telegraphic speech devoid of function phonemes, mostly content
- 3-5 years: Grammatical rules; give me the ball; overgeneralization
of grammar rules (e.g. I eated the cake)
- Similar pattern of language development in toddlers learning new
language Orderly milestones
Theories in Language Development
Behaviorist Theory:
- Environment stimulates verbal learning
- Positive Reinforcement drives correct language development
- Strengthened or weakened based on reinforcement or extinction
(punishment)
Nativist Theory:
- Language development and acquisition are innate, biological
capacities (as long as there is input) Language Acquisition Device
(LAD) needs input at a young age

Interactionist Theory:
- Combination of innate language ability and environmental
experience that drives language development
- Example: Sign Language development in Nicaragua
Language Development and the Brain
Aphasia difficulty in producing language
Brocas Area
- Production of articulate speech
Wernickes Area
- Language comprehension and meaning