8.11 Introduction to Language and Phonemes

These flashcards cover key concepts related to the nature of language, its unique features, phonemes, and language development.

Language

A communication system that uses symbols combined according to rules.

Semanticity

The characteristic of language where sounds have no inherent connection to their meanings.

Productivity

The ability of language to create an infinite number of meanings through combinatory rules.

Displacement

The capability of language to communicate about things not present in the current time or location.

Social Learning

The process by which language is acquired through social interaction and exposure during formative years.

Phoneme

The basic units of speech that comprise the sounds used within any particular language.

Distinct Phonemes

The approximately 200 different sounds that the human vocal tract can produce.

Language Specialization

The process where individuals become more adept at recognizing the phonemes of their specific language, often leading to loss of recognition for subtle differences in non-native phonemes.

R Sound (Phoneme)

A phoneme that is often difficult for children to produce, typically mastered around ages six or seven.