The Path to Language

Flashcards created from the lecture notes on language development and communication.

What is a key characteristic of language that is specific to humans?

Infants show the capacity for language.

What does C/F/U stand for in intentional communication?

Content, Form, Use.

What does 'Content' in C/F/U refer to?

Propositions; WHAT we are talking about.

How does the 'Form' aspect of C/F/U define language?

It refers to the linguistic form used for a concept, object, or action.

What is meant by 'Use' in the context of C/F/U?

The purpose or intention for our utterance.

What does the communication process involve besides language?

It involves sending and receiving signals, supported by perception and sensory systems.

How does the need for emotional interaction manifest in infants?

Infants have a deep biological need to interact emotionally with caretakers.

What role do genes play in the development of language?

Genes determine the development of the nervous system and direct how neurons interact.

What importance does visual perception have in a child's development?

It plays a role in bonding and is the first sensory system that the child controls.

What is the 'Segmentation Problem' in language acquisition?

It's the challenge of matching heard words to sounds stored in memory to identify them.

What is 'motherese' or 'parentese'?

An exaggerated prosody that serves as a bridge to words, phrases, and sentences.

At what age can infants start to distinguish their caregiver by face and voice?

At two weeks old.

What is the significance of auditory perception in language development?

The fetus can hear and respond to sound, specifically the maternal voice, from a certain gestational age.

What happens during the brain development phase of pruning?

Surplus connections are eliminated, strengthening used synapses during childhood and adolescence.

What are the three categories of precursors of content according to Lahey (1988)?

1. Object identity and search, 2. Action on an object, 3. Object to object relations.

How do infants communicate their needs before using conventional words?

They express happiness, unhappiness, and direct actions through gestures and vocalizations.

What is a practical tool used to analyze precursory behaviors in infants?

Lahey Level 1 analysis.

Define language as mentioned in the provided notes.

A code whereby ideas about the world are expressed through a conventional system of arbitrary signals for communication.

What defines social convention in language?

It is an agreement among community members on elements and rules of language.

What does language use encompass in effective communication?

Different goals, context-based language variation, and interaction dynamics.

What is represented by a word or utterance in language?

It serves as a symbol for an object, event, or relationship.

How is the 'form' of language described?

It refers to the shape of the surface features of the signed or spoken message, including phonology and morphology.

What is the primary function of language in communication?

To comment, direct action, call attention, protest, obtain a response, and respond.