Psychology 3228A/B Chapter Notes - Chapter 10: Karl Von Frisch, Indep, Arbitrariness

• School: Western University
• Department: Psychology
• Course: Psychology 3228A/B
• Professor: Caroline Strang

Document Summary

Human language and the combinatorial power of grammar: process forming one-to-one mapping b/w sound and object vervet monkeys imp step evol lang, average literate person knows b/w 50,000 and 100,000 words. Lang gives means obtaining limitless powers of expression from comparatively small set words= grammar- comm struct other animals, as far as we know, don"t have grammar- cant say new stuff. Learning meaning words rather more than formation associations b/w sound and object and involves assumptions and sharing attention probably inborn- imp innate knowledge imp way children acquire grammatical structs lang. Lang involves complex design interacting parts surely could not have evolved by accident. Foxp2 have variety effects- research foxp2 ongoing but seem play role lang and other forms communication. Lang might provide disincentive infidelity b/c other people witness indiscretion might well be able inform injured party, as much as promises and rituals, evidence langs ability act glue keep monogamous social struct together.