By: David Matahari
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
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.
Concepts:
Linguistic Relativity: Different cognitive systems affect how people think and perceive the world.
Linguistic Determinism: Language habits shape our interpretation of experiences.
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.
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.
Key Factors:
Age
Individual Abilities
Cognitive Capabilities and Prior Knowledge
Learning Context and Goals
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.
Definition: Unintentional linguistic errors during speech.
Implication: Suggests a difference between the language of thought and spoken language (Fodor, 1975).
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.
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.
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 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.
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!