Language, Modularity, and Psycholinguistics — Key Concepts

Vocabulary-style flashcards covering modularity, grammar theory, psycholinguistics, and related concepts from the lecture notes.

Modularity

The idea that the mind/brain consists of distinct computational systems specialized for particular tasks, not a single all-purpose system.

Domain-specific

A processing system that only receives inputs of a particular sort about a certain kind of subject matter.

Modular subsystems in vision

Vision is decomposed into modules responsible for shape, color, movement, face recognition, and contrast.

Morpho-syntax

The combination of morphology and syntax; a language module dealing with word structure and sentence formation.

Phonology

The language module dealing with sound structure; one of the language modules.

Lip reading

Visual input that enhances phonological perception, especially in noise-impaired environments.

All-purpose audition

Auditory module for perception of sounds produced by animals (general sound perception).

Voice recognition

Auditory module for identifying humans by voice.

Auditory affect perception

Auditory module that acts as an emotion detector (perceives affect of sounds).

Perception of linguistically relevant phonetic material

Auditory module specialized for linguistically meaningful sounds (phonetics/phonology).

Description vs. Explanation

Descriptive/taxonomic accounts (e.g., traditional grammar) versus cognitive explanations (e.g., Chomsky’s view).

Traditional grammar

Describes language through taxonomy (parts of speech) without addressing underlying cognitive processes.

Descriptive grammar

Attempts to uncover the internalized linguistic system of native speakers (how language is actually used).

Prescriptive grammar

Rules for ‘correct’ language usage, advocated by language purists.

Competence

Tacit knowledge of grammar; the rules native speakers know.

Performance

Actual language use; influenced by fatigue, distractions, substances, etc.; imperfect reflection of competence.

Universal Grammar

The idea that there are linguistic universals; a framework for likely features of all human languages.

Generativism

Chomsky’s view that language is an innate capacity, generated by internal rules.

Behaviorism

View that language acquisition is based on imitation and linguistic habits.

Language creativity

The ability to produce an infinite set of sentences from a finite set of rules; rule-governed innovation.

Colorless green ideas sleep furiously

Famous example of a sentence that is grammatical but semantically nonsensical.