PSYCH 1X03 Lecture Notes - Lecture 4: Language Production, Complex Differential Form, Animal Communication
15 Dec 2016
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> when we communicate, we send and receive information to another individual or group. > although there are many forms of communication, the most complex form is language. > most psychologists consider only human communication to be language. > researchers have identified criteria that outline a true language: > first, language is regular, meaning it is governed by rules and grammar. > a sentence can be reorganized and still retain its meaning because a system of rules shows how each word fits with the ones around it. > what specific sound is assigned to represent a concept is completely arbitrary. to a furry animal with whiskers and a tail. There is nothing about the sound of the word cat which indicates that it refers. > third, language is productive, meaning that there are almost limitless ways to combine words to describe objects, situations, and actions.
