wk 1 - language

Question 1

What are the design features of languages that are shared by all communication systems/ human or non-human? (3)

Answer 1

1. Mode of communication
   - all communication systems have a mode by which info is conveyed
2. Semanticity
   - In any communication system, signals have specific meanings
3. Pragmatic fxn
   - Communication in all forms, serves a useful purpose/function for the communicators

Question 2

What are the design features of languages that are exhibited in SOME natural ANIMAL communication systems? (4)

Answer 2

1. Interchangeability
   - ability to transmit & receive msgs
2. Cultural transmission
   - only acquired through interaction with other individuals/env = NOT entirely innate
   - eg: Dolphins have unique signature whistles that function as individual identifiers, similar to names. Young dolphins learn these whistles from their social group, and research suggests some level of imitation and learning, which points to cultural transmission.
3. Arbitrariness
   - No connection between signal & meaning
   - Eg: Vervet monkeys have distinct alarm calls for different predators, such as snakes, eagles, and leopards. The sound of each call has no direct connection to the predator it represents (e.g., the “snake” call doesn’t sound like a snake).
4. Discreteness
   - A message made up of small distinct units - eg: birdsongs can be broken down into smaller identifiable parts

Question 3

What are the design features of languages that are NOT FOUND in natural ANIMAL communication systems? (3)

Answer 3

1. Duality of patterning
   - combining meaningless sounds, letters into meaningful words/phrases
2. Displacement
   - ability to talk about things not present in space/time
   - animal signs usually communicate the here & now
3. Productivity
   - Ability to create new messages by combining linguistic elements in new ways