POLS 110 Lecture Notes - Lecture 2: Universal Grammar, Simple Math, Implicit Learning
29 Oct 2017
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Document Summary
Language consists of the use of symbols to represent, transmit, and store meaning or information. We can hear about and understand phenomena we have never experienced. We can make plans and have others carry them out. We can know what another person is thinking more directly than just by observing their behavior. Phonemes are the smallest units of sound (vowels and consonants). Morphemes are the units of meaning (suffixes, prefixes). Grammar refers to the rules for using words. Children acquire the use of 10 new words per day (on average) between ages 2 and 18. Children learn the basic grammar of language before they can do simple math. Most kids can recall words and meanings, and assemble words into sentences, while simultaneously following social rules for speaking and listening. Receptive language: ability to understand what is said emerges around 4 months. Productive language: ability to produce words begins around 10 months.
