Chp 1 Vocabulary Module 2

Question 1

linguistic competence

Answer 1

The unconscious knowledge of grammar that allows a speaker to use and understand a language.

Question 2

linguistic performance

Answer 2

The ability to produce and comprehend sentences in a language.

Question 3

performance error

Answer 3

Errors in language production or comprehension, including hesitations and slips of the tongue.

Question 4

speech communication chain

Answer 4

The process through which information is communicated, consisting of an information source, transmitter, signal, receiver and destination

Question 5

speech communication chain steps

Answer 5

information-source-transmitter-signal-receiver-destination

Question 6

noise

Answer 6

Interference in the communications chain

Question 7

lexicon

Answer 7

A mental repository of linguistic information about words and other lexical expressions

Question 8

mental grammar

Answer 8

The mental representation of grammar. The knowledge that a speaker has about the linguistic units and rules of his native langugage

Question 9

language variation

Answer 9

The property of languages having different ways to express the same meanings in different contexts according to factors such as geography, social class, gender, etc

Question 10

descriptive grammar

Answer 10

Objective description of a speaker’s knowledge of a language based on their use of the language

Question 11

evidence that writing and language are not the same (list 4 reasons)

Answer 11

1) Archaeological evidence indicates that writing is a later historical development.
2) Writing does not exist everywhere that spoken language does.
3) Writing must be taught while language is acquired naturally.
4) Writing can be edited while speech is spontaneous and simultaneous.

Question 12

reasons some people believe writing to be superior to speech (list 3 reasons)

Answer 12

Writing can be edited.
Writing must be taught.
Writing is more physically stable.

Question 13

prescriptive grammar

Answer 13

A set of rules designed to give instructions regarding the socially embedded notion of the correct or proper way to speak or write.

Question 14

prescribe

Answer 14

instructing how to speak or write according to someones idea of what is good or bad.

Question 15

Charles Hockett’s nine design features (necessary for a communication system to be considered a language) (list)

Answer 15

Mode of Communication
Semanticity
Pragmatic Function
Interchangeability
Cultural Transmission
Arbitrariness
Discreteness
Displacement
Productivity

Question 16

mode of communication

Answer 16

Means through which a message is transmitted for any given communication system

Question 17

semanticity

Answer 17

Property of having signals that convey a meaning, shared by all communication systems.

Question 18

pragmatic function

Answer 18

The useful purpose of any given communication system

Question 19

interchangeability

Answer 19

The property of a communications system by which all individuals have the ability to both transmit and review messages (as opposed to systems where some individuals can only send messages or others can only receive messages.

Question 20

cultural transmission

Answer 20

Property of a communication system referring to the fact that at least some aspects of it are learned through interaction with other users of the system.

Question 21

arbitrariness

Answer 21

refers to the fact that a words meaning is not predictable from its linguistic form, or is its form dictated by its meaning.

Question 22

linguistic sign

Answer 22

The combination of a linguistic form and meaning.

Question 23

convention

Answer 23

A way in which something is usually done within a particular area of activity.

Question 24

nonarbitrariness

Answer 24

Direct correspondence between the physical properties of a form and the meaning that the form refers to.

Question 25

iconic

Answer 25

Relationship between form and meaning such that the form of a word bears a resemblance to its meaning.

Question 26

onomatopoeia

Answer 26

Iconic use of words that are imitative of sounds occurring in nature or that have meanings that are associated with such sounds

Question 27

conventionalized

Answer 27

Something that is established, commonly agreed upon, or operating a certain way according to common practice.

Question 28

sound symbolism

Answer 28

Phenomenon by which certain sounds are evocative of a particular meaning.

Question 29

discreteness

Answer 29

The property of communication systems by which complex messages may be built up out of smaller parts.

Question 30

displacement

Answer 30

The property of some communication systems that allows them to be used to communicate about things, actions, and ideas that are not present at the place or time where communications is taking place.

Question 31

productivity

Answer 31

The capacity of a communication system (unique to human language) for novel messages built out of discrete units to be produced and understood.

Question 32

modality

Answer 32

Means through which a message is transmitted for any given communication system.

Question 33

myths about signed languages (list 4)

Answer 33

1. Signed languages are derived from spoken language.
2. Singed languages to not consist of words but rather signers use their hands to draw pictures or act out what they are saying.
3. Words in a signed language are completely Iconic
4. Universality of signed language. Signed language is the same throughout the world.

Question 34

differences between codes and languages (list 4)

Answer 34

Code is an artificially constructed system.
Signed languages evolve naturally and independently of spoken languages.
Codes never have native speakers.