9. Language in Context

Thought and Language in Context

  • By: David Matahari

Overview

  • Key Topics:

    • Language and Thought

    • Differences among Languages

    • The Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis

    • Linguistic Relativity of Linguistic Universals

    • Bilingualism and Dialects

    • Advantages and Disadvantages of Bilingualism

    • Factors Influencing Second Language Acquisition

    • Bilingualism: One System or Two?

    • Language Mixtures and Change

    • Slips of the Tongue

    • Metaphorical Language

    • Language in Social Context

Differences Among Languages

  • Language Variation:

    • Each language has distinct lexicons and syntactical structures.

    • Grammatical inflections change the way actions, agents, and objects are communicated.

    • Example: Subject-Verb-Object order in sentences can differ amongst languages.

The Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis

  • Concepts:

    • Linguistic Relativity: Different cognitive systems affect how people think and perceive the world.

    • Linguistic Determinism: Language habits shape our interpretation of experiences.

Linguistic Relativity or Linguistic Universals?

  • Color Perception:

    • Color categories and names differ across languages, influencing perception and cognition.

    • Universal pattern in color naming observed as:

      • Black-White

      • Red

      • Yellow/Green

      • Blue

      • Brown

      • Purple/Pink/Orange/Gray

  • Verbs and Grammatical Gender:

    • Language structure differences impact thought processes.

Bilingualism and Dialects

  • Types of Bilingualism:

    • Additive Bilingualism: Learning a second language in addition to a well-developed first language, which enhances cognitive ability.

    • Subtractive Bilingualism: Losing elements of the first language when acquiring a second.

  • Simultaneous Bilingualism: Learning two languages from birth.

  • Sequential Bilingualism: Learning one language after another.

Factors Influencing Second Language Acquisition

  • Key Factors:

    • Age

    • Individual Abilities

    • Cognitive Capabilities and Prior Knowledge

    • Learning Context and Goals

Bilingualism: One System or Two?

  • Single-System Hypothesis: Both languages represented in one mental system.

  • Dual-Systems Hypothesis: Separate mental systems for each language.

  • Research shows some duality, with weaker language being diffusely represented in the brain.

Slips of the Tongue

  • Definition: Unintentional linguistic errors during speech.

  • Implication: Suggests a difference between the language of thought and spoken language (Fodor, 1975).

Metaphorical Language

  • Definitions:

    • Metaphors: Juxtaposition of two nouns to assert similarities without negating differences (e.g., "The house was a pigsty").

    • Components of Metaphor:

      • Tenor: The subject (e.g., House).

      • Vehicle: The comparison (e.g., Pigsty).

      • Ground: Similarities.

      • Tension: Dissimilarities.

  • Theories of Metaphor:

    • Comparison view, anomaly view, domain interaction views, class-inclusion statements.

Language in a Social Context

  • Pragmatics: Study of language use in social contexts including sociolinguistics.

  • Language patterns can change based on context cues, creating common ground for conversation.

  • Nonverbal Communication: Includes gestures and vocal inflections, as well as considerations of personal space.

Speech Acts

  • Direct Speech Acts: Classes include:

    • Representative

    • Directive

    • Commissive

    • Expressive

    • Declaration

  • Indirect Speech Acts: Can express abilities, desires, future actions, or reasons.

  • Characteristics of Successful Conversation:

    • Maxim of Quantity: Provide necessary but not excessive information.

    • Maxim of Quality: Assume truthfulness of both speakers.

    • Maxim of Relation: Relevant to conversation aims.

    • Maxim of Manner: Clarity in expression.

Gender and Language

  • Gender Differences:

    • Males tend to focus on political views and impersonal topics.

    • Females emphasize connection, emotional support, and personal relationships.

    • Males may inform rather than consult; females may consult instead of inform.

Aphasia

  • Types of Aphasia:

    • Wernicke’s Aphasia: Impaired understanding of language.

    • Broca’s Aphasia: Difficulties with speech production, comprehension largely intact.

    • Global Aphasia: Severe impairment in comprehension and production.

    • Anomic Aphasia: Challenges in naming objects and retrieving words.

  • Related Condition: Autism.

  • Thank You!

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