Psy 300 - Cognitive Psychology

Language

Makario Ruano

PSY 360 / Cognitive Psychology

University of Phoenix

Dr. Terry Hancock

12/12/2011

In a planet filled with competitive fervor, one trait has allowed a certain species to dominate and evolve in ways the planet has not seen in its four billion years of existence. Although this trait is not unique to this specific species, it's characteristic and mechanisms are. The ability for human beings to acquire and use complex systems of communication may be defined as language (Willingham, 2007). Language has allowed humanity to not only surpass all over species in the world; it has allowed humans to communicate in ways that have enabled them to create sophisticated societies not ever seen before. What exactly is human language composed of? What specific characteristics set it apart from other species on the planet? What role does the mind and cognition play in language? The author will address these questions, as well as describe the four levels of language structure and processing and the key features associated with human language.

Origins

The origin of language does not have a consensus of age or ultimate origin among linguists, anthropologist, and psychologists. This is due in part because empirical evidence for its origination is limited or non-existent (Christiansen & Kirby, 2003). Because of this, the origins of language were previously seen as unsuitable to study, however in recent years the push and debate for knowledge regarding its origins have surfaced. There are two theories that attempt to take an approach on the subject based on their distinct assumptions. The first of these is the theory of consistency, which holds that due to language's vast complexity it was must have evolved from a less sophisticated, pre-linguistic form used by primate ancestors to a more sophisticated final form used today by humans (Christiansen & Kirby, 2003). Linguist and philosopher Noam Chomsky, a lead supporter of the second theory, referred to as discontinuity theory, makes the educated assumption that states the opposite. According to the discontinuity theory, human language is so unique to the human species that it could not have originated from non-human species and it happened rather suddenly along the course of human evolution (Chomsky, 2004). Noam Chomsky proposes that language is an innate human characteristic that is furthered evolved through social interaction (Chomsky, 2004). Those individuals split between the consistency vs. discontinuity have adopted a theory that transcends both and explains that the spark in human language came about via unseen before levels of public trust that sparked a social transformation in language that previously lay dormant in humans(Christiansen & Kirby, 2003).

Language and Lexicon

Most people would agree that the origins of language are important; however, how language works is vital because acquiring knowledge related to how language works can help individuals on a practical basis. Lexicon is the bridge between language and the knowledge expressed in language and encompasses vocabulary (including its words and expressions) (Sowa, 2005). One need turn only to different countries to see how diverse human language can be. From Chinese, the most used language in the world to the dialects of tiny villages, language is a versatile human trait. The variations in language include the words themselves, grammar, and the concepts they express. These variations are influenced by different factors. These factors include: cultural (concepts expressed by language under this factor are influenced by the environment, activities and culture), systematic (the grammar of the language determines how the conceptual structures are a lined as strings of words in a sentence) and accidental (arbitrary choices in sounds, such as hand in English and mano in Spanish) (Sowa, 2005). Regardless of the language, lexicon provides the essential links that enable a language processor to carry messages from one to another. Moreover, lexicon involves the use of lexemes, which are formed by morpho-syntactic and express the semantic language unit of meaning (Sowa, 2005).

Features of Language, Structures and Processes

Lexicon is the vocabulary of a language, including its words and expressions. Understanding how language is expressed regardless of dialect and culture shows a universal purpose behind language.