AP Psychology: Module 3.5

Language

our spoken, written, or signed words and the ways we combine them to communicate meaning

Phenemes

smallest distinctive sound units in a language

Morphemes

smallest units that carry meaning in a given language

Grammar

system of rules that enables us to communicate with one another, guide us in deriving meaning from semantics (sounds) in ordering words into syntax (sentences)

Noam Chomsky

argued that all languages do share some basic elements, called universal grammar

Receptive Language

before 4 months of age, ability for babies to understand what is said to and about them

Babbling Stage

beginning around 4 months of age, marks beginning of productive language (ability to produce words)

One-Word Stage

around 1 years old, child speaks in single words

Two-Word Stage

about 18 months, stuttering 2 word sentences in telegraphic speech

Telegraphic Speech

speaks like telegram, using mostly nouns and verbs

Overgeneralization/Overregulation

applying grammar and syntax rules at inappropriate times

Aphasia

impairment of language, usually caused by left-hemisphere damange

Braca's Area

impairing speaking when damaged, struggle to speak words while being able to comprehend speech

Wernicke's Area

impairing understanding when damaged, speaking only meaningless words

Linguistic Determinism

language determines the way we think, Benjamin Lee Whorf