PSYC 100 Chapter Notes - Chapter 8.3: American Sign Language, Animal Communication, Human Communication

• School: Queen's University
• Department: Psychology
• Course: PSYC 100
• Professor: Jordan Poppenk

Document Summary

Language is a method of communicating information of ideas, thoughts, and emotions: not limited to only humans; bees communicate through dance. Human communication is not limited to just speaking other forms of languages can communicate as well, for example, music or flowers. Information can be communicated only if both the sender and receiver understand the language. Semanticity: extent to which a language can use symbols to transmit meaningful messages. Human language, sign language and braille are all examples of sematic languages (have symbolism and meaning behind) Having a large vocabulary makes it possible to hold and express more powerful ideas however it is possible to combine words in a way that is powerful. Generativity: ability to combine words/symbols of a language using rules of composition and syntax to communicate an almost infinite variety of ideas using a relatively small vocabulary.