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!