ANT102H5 Study Guide - Midterm Guide: Generative Grammar, Intercultural Competence, Nonverbal Communication
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ANT102H5 Full Course Notes
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Document Summary
Our ability to learn language as children is limited by our cognitive capacities. One"s working memory has limited resources available to process information, and when demand exceeds capabilities, the material will not be attended to. Every baby is capable to learn every language in the world (as much as their cognitive ability will allow- ie. health) As you move from imagistic thinking to syntax-thinking, (is a crucial breakthrough) it allows a much more controlled environment, can store information, cognitive ability increases. Adults are better problems solvers than kids, so the paradox is the kids are typically better at learning language. An adult struggles to hear those phonemes which is why some adults can never fully master a language as a native speaker (only exception if you speak a language that is very similar) All healthy children will learn a language they just have to be exposed to it as a child- automatically learn it.
