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Although these data led researchers to conclude that the language we use to describe color and
number does not influence our underlying understanding of the underlying sensation, another
more recent study has questioned this assumption. Roberson, Davies, and Davidoff
(2000) [36] conducted another study with Dani participants and found that, at least for some
colors, the names that they used to describe colors did influence their perceptions of the colors.
Other researchers continue to test the possibility that our language influences our perceptions,
and perhaps even our thoughts (Levinson, 1998), [37] and yet the evidence for this possibility is,
as of now, mixed.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Language involves both the ability to comprehend spoken and written words and to speak and write. Some languages
are sign languages, in which the communication is expressed by movements of the hands. - Phonemes are the elementary sounds of our language, morphemes are the smallest units of meaningful language,
syntax is the grammatical rules that control how words are put together, and contextual information is the elements
of communication that help us understand its meaning. - Recent research suggests that there is not a single critical period of language learning, but that language learning is
simply better when it occurs earlier. - Broca’s area is responsible for language production. Wernicke’s area is responsible for language comprehension.
- Language learning begins even before birth. An infant usually produces his or her first words at about 1 year of age.
- One explanation of language development is that it occurs through principles of learning, including association,
reinforcement, and the observation of others. - Noam Chomsky argues that human brains contain a language acquisition module that includes a universal grammar
that underlies all human language. Chomsky differentiates between the deep structure and the surface structure of
an idea. - Although other animals communicate and may be able to express ideas, only the human brain is complex enough to
create real language. - Our language may have some influence on our thinking, but it does not affect our underlying understanding of
concepts.