PSYC 3404 Lecture Notes - Lecture 7: Lateralization Of Brain Function, Word Formation, Language Development
Document Summary
Study of language proved that learning is not all imitation. Study of language provided support for brain lateralization. Broca and wernicke"s areas in left hemisphere. Many argue that language separates humans from other animal species. Language has certainly allowed for advancement of culture. Language is a form of communication, whether spoken, written, or signed, based on system of symbols. Infinite generativity: ability to produce an endless number of meaningful sentences using a finite sets of words and rules. Sounds used and not used; combinations (ie. english: spr- (spring) but not rsp) Phoneme: basic unit of sound (ie. english:/k/ sound (cat and ski: morphology. Units of meaning involved in word formation: syntax. Meaningful word combinations that form sentences/phrases (word order) Some language differences but also commonalities (ie. beautiful fish and bonito peixe: semantics. Appropriate use of language in different contexts (ie. turn taking in conversations) 5 to 12 months: first understanding of words.