Psychology 1000 Chapter 9: Chapter 9

• School: Western University
• Department: Psychology
• Course: Psychology 1000
• Professor: Dr.Mike

Document Summary

Language: system of symbols and rules to generate infinite possible meanings. Bilingualism: learning a second language: learned best and spoken most fluently when learned during a sensitive period of childhood. Becomes more difficult after age 7: vocabulary can be learned at any age. Critical period hypothesis: people who begin learning a second language past their teens cannot achieve the fluency of native speakers: the earlier you start learning, the better. Theory must be tested by comparing people with early vs late learning with the same amount of overall exposure: conclusion: there is a sensitive period (rather than critical) period for learning. Linguistic relativity hypothesis: language not only influences but determines what we are capable of thinking. If correct, cultures with few words for colours would have more difficulty perceiving a spectrum. Different studies proved correct and incorrect: most psycholinguists do not agree -> language can only influence (not determine) how we think.