CDIS 3377: Language Science - Introductory Concepts

Vocabulary flashcards covering core linguistic components, grammar types, language modality, and fundamental themes from CDIS 3377.

Competence

Hidden knowledge of language.

Performance

Observable use of language.

Phonetics

Knowledge of speech sounds, including distinguishing speech vs. non-speech, recognizing sounds in your language vs. another, and knowing how to produce each sound.

Phonology

Knowledge of how speech sounds work together as a system, including possible vs. impossible sound sequences, word identification across different speakers, and identifying word boundaries in spoken speech.

Morphology

Knowledge of how to create new words and break down words into smaller parts that have a particular meaning or function.

Morpheme

Smallest unit of speech with meaning.

Syntax

How words combine to form phrases and sentences.

Semantics

Ability to determine meaning in words and sentences.

Pragmatics

Ability to use context to interpret an utterance's meaning, including intended meaning and determining appropriate vs. inappropriate usage.

Lexicon

Mental dictionary of known words.

Mental Grammar

Internalized rules for language use, acquired naturally through exposure.

Descriptive Grammar

An approach to grammar focused on what speakers actually do.

Prescriptive Grammar

An approach to grammar focused on what speakers "should" do.

Modality

Tells us how a language is produced and perceived; the mode of communication.

Auditory-vocal

The predominant mode of communication for spoken language.

Visual-gestural

The predominant mode of communication for signed language.