PSYCH 1X03 Chapter Notes - Chapter 4: Metalinguistic Awareness, Pragmatics
23 Feb 2015
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Document Summary
Language is symbolic: words and gestures are used as representations of specific concepts. This allows for communication of abstract and hypothetical concepts as well as ideas, things, etc. , that are not present. Language has arbitrary associations: words used to represent concepts in language are made up and arbitrary. This is why various languages exist-the same concept is represented by different words in different languages as a result of this arbitrary nature of language. Language is productive: with limited set of sound combinations and words in a language, a potentially infinite number of expression can be made, including completely novel expressions. Language is rule governed: with each language, rules about what makes sense still exist despite the productive nature of language. Conclusion: language is a sophisticated form of communication unique to our species, characterized by the use of symbolism, arbitrary associations, productivity and rule use. Still face procedure: demonstrates understanding of expectations of face-to- face social interaction.
