Chapter 8: Language

Language

a system of communication using sounds and symbols according to grammatical rules

Phonemes

the basic sounds of speech, the building blocks of language

Single sound!

ex: (Cuh-ah-tuh) → 3 phonemes (build 1 morpheme)

Graphemes

the basic or smallest unit in a writing system. Most commonly it is a single letter, unless there is a 2 letter combination that matches to a single sound in a language (such as sh in shake)

Morphemes

the smallest language units that have meaning, including suffixes and prefixes

(Cats → Cat = s) → 2 morphemes

Syntax

system of rules that govern how words are combined into phrases and how phrases are combined to make sentences

Semantics

the study of the system of meanings that underlie words, phrases, and sentences

Discourse

combination of syntax and semantics to create sentences and longer to convey coherent meaning

Broca’s aphasia

nonfluent aphasia → have trouble speaking fluently

Wernicke’s aphasia

fluent aphasia → have trouble understanding the meaning of words

Anomic Aphasia/Anomia

disruption in the ability to retrieve and produce specific categories of words → failure in

word retrieval

Output area

specialized to support speech production, associated with nonfluent aphasia or Broca’s aphasia

Input area

specialized to support speech comprehension, associated with fluent aphasia or Wernicke’s aphasia

Concept area

our mental dictionary (also called the mental lexicon), associated with disorders like anomia

Linguistic relativity theory

the claim that language determines thought

Automaticity (Fluency)

effortless word recognition that comes with a great deal of reading practice

Language Learning Method: Whole language

a method of teaching reading in English that emphasizes learning the meanings of words and understanding how words are connected in sentences

Language Learning Method: Phonics

a method of teaching reading in English that focuses on the association between letters and their phonemes

Aphasia

a language disorder that results in deficits in language comprehension and production