Language
PSY 360
June 17, 2015
Melissa Jackson

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Language

An intense association exists between cognitive abilities and language. Thought processes have the capability of altering communication methods; however, methods of communication can very easily do the same to an individual’s way of thinking. New ideas are communicated in which thought can be generated simply by thinking of the name of a certain stimulus.
Language can be defined by several different key components. A reciprocated attempt at a considerate conversation between individuals can be anything from arbitrary to unsubstantial, yet likely to be configured and orderly through numerous manners in which general ideas are configured through the different parts of a language (Papafragou, Li, Choi, & Han 2007). In addition, language can also be dynamic and constantly developing, therefore leading to the conclusion that such an intricate topic, such as language, is challenging to undertake, especially in explaining in more depth how it works in its entirety through the key components toward a better understanding. The main purpose of the key features of language, including arbitrariness, communications, and dynamics, as well as generative and structured divergences, is to facilitate the comprehension and translation of language itself. Associating words to stimuli is unsystematic in its development and is groundless in an unconscious attempt to form grammatically correct sentences utilizing phonological and syntactic rules through mental analysis. All languages can be communicated between individuals in many different forms, such as through verbal communications, written text, hand gestures, facial and body expressions, and even braille. There are unlimited possibilities to that of which can be communicated through the use of language. Language serves a great purpose. Without any form of language, it would make communicating thoughts between individuals rather difficult. Language is always revolving, and through the years, this is evident. Some languages become obsolete while other languages combine to form new ones. Such is the case with the different languages that have encompassed the state of Louisiana. Through migration, French was the primary language spoken until it was banned through the constitution. Several years later, the French language was reintroduced, in which, at this point, several things had taken place. Some of the previously existing languages had died out completely, such as Colonial French; whereas, other languages had joined, thus creating an alternate version, such as Cajun French that incorporated German, Spanish, and many other languages. When modifications are made to any language, new words form while others are eliminated, and grammatical rules take a different form. Language is also generative, in the sense that there are certain grammatical rules that must be followed for communication to be processed and understood correctly. Noam Chomsky was the first individual to introduce the study of syntax, as well as structures of morphology and phonology. The basic concept behind Chomsky’s ideas is that words and sections of sentences can me modified and still make sense, as long as they follow the rules of grammar defined through structure (Galotti, 2014, p. 222).
The vocabulary of an individual is derived from their lexicon development, in which every word that person has learned, each distinct sound that create those words, the correct pronunciation of those sounds and words, the proper spelling and usage of those words, and all images that are associated with each of those words is accounted for (Galotti, 2014, p. 230). For example, as a baby grows, and their brain begins to develop, so does their lexicon. As phonemes, such as vowel sounds, are introduced, the phonemes evolve into actual words through the association of environmental stimuli. Simultaneously, as the first mental connection takes place between the associations of words, so does the development of an individual’s lexicon, and as new connections are made, the lexicon will continue expanding. Concepts that form language in a generative manner utilize precise rules that are dynamic and structured. The difference in cultural, geographical, and social environments of individuals helps demonstrate the broad diversity between languages and their morphological and syntactic systems. Language presents four specific structure levels including phonemes, words, sentences, and lastly, ideas that are conformed through the development of the other structures (Galotti, 2014, p. 216). Such intricate complexities are involved in processing information through the different senses. Starting with the distinction of different phoneme sounds, words are created, and an individual’s lexicon is constructed. For example, the sounds that are produced by the letter “o” in the words phoneme and lexicon are similar, but produce an auditory differentiation, as well as a contrasting conceptualization. Often, during a conversation an individual can be seen mouthing what the speaker is saying. When this occurs, the listener is following the phonemes toward a full understanding of what the speaker is conveying and is anticipating what the speaker will say next in their conversation. This is also demonstrating a perfect example of the two biggest issues with phoneme processing, in which phoneme perception and the production of phonemes become problematic if the speech of the individual is difficult to understand, resulting in a delayed attempt of comprehension from the listener (Galotti, 2014, p. 226). In this case; however, the listener’s lexicon skills will typically adapt quickly by filling in uncomprehensive areas in the conversation through context information from other words spoken. Next in an individual’s language development are the use of words through the combination of different phonemes to describe stimuli and conceptual representations (Papafragou, Li, & Choi, 2007). There are numerous words in any language that have more than one meaning or spelling. For instance, the words “there”, “their”, and “they’re” all sound the same, but have different meanings, and the same can be said for different words that offer the same meaning, such as the word “toy”, in which case this word could be utilized as both a noun or a verb. In such cases, the listener must determine the correct word and meaning by utilizing the other words being spoken in the conversation to comprehend the speaker fully. Language ambiguities such as this can be overcome by applying sentence structure knowledge through the individual’s lexicon for clarification. Words build up an individual’s vocabulary, and the vocabulary of words creates sentences to form clarity of thought to others through structured communication. An individual’s experiences play a great role in the interpretation of what is communicated to them because the wording of a sentence can be understood in many different manners. For instance, if someone were to state that two stimuli do not go together, this could be understood in multiple ways, such as that the two stimuli cannot be together, or it can mean that the two stimuli were intended to not go together initially, yet are together. Lastly, when all structure levels are combined, ideas and text are formed. Phonemes create words, which in turn create sentences that then form ideas that turn into text. A small thought, such as stating that the sky is blue, is a simple idea; however, if the idea of the blue sky is elaborated into forming more sentences, a larger idea has been created that has now turned into text. Most notably in language is an individual’s ability to infer logic, reasoning, and meaning through context based on knowledge and attention (Galotti, 2014, p. 229). For instance, if two individuals having a conversation about a third person that was not present mentioned the third person’s name at the beginning of the conversation and later referred to the same absent person using a pronoun instead of that person’s name, typically, correct inference would occur.
Whether speaking aloud or rehearsing through things in an individual’s mind, the process is still the same. Phonemes form sounds; sounds create words, words form thoughts and sentences, and vice versa. Cognitive functions hold many responsibilities, but without it, there would be no possibility of language.

References

Galotti, K. M. (2014). Cognitive Psychology: In and Out of the Laboratory. Retrieved from The University of Phoenix eBook Collection database.

Papafragou, A., Li, P., & Choi, Y. (2007, May). Evidentiality in Language and
Cognition. Elsevier, 103(2), 253-299. Retrieved from http://www.sciencedirect.com.contentproxy.phoenix.edu/science/article/pii/S0010027706000692