ANT253H1 Midterm: ANT253 DANESI language, society, and culture Test 1 notes
Document Summary
Language: tool for gaining knowledge vs. misunderstanding/conflict-> have words . "language" originated from latin "lingua" (tongue) there are about 6000 languages spoken in the world all languages have: 1) a system of distinctive sounds -> most have 20~60 vocal sounds: units known as words, grammatical structure. 5) strategies for using language in various ways (communication&representation) resources for making new words; new meanings. Language and speech language= mental sign system speech= use of language to form and transmit messages. Can be vocal or non-vocal children by the age 5~6 control the main structure of their native language vocal speech made by lowering of the larynx. "universal grammar" for language (articulated initially by plato) Based on a logical inference about the way humans learn. Speech dichotomy is a central one in linguistics innatists= children pick up language because it"s innate in them empiricists= children learn language through imitation.
