Psychology2016

Cognition: Thinking, Intelligence, and Language 303

four sounds that seemed to represent banana, grapes, juice, and the word yes. (However,
remember that four sounds do not come close to making an entire language.)
O t h e r s t u d i e s , w i t h d o l p h i n s ( H e r m a n e t a l. , 1 9 9 3 ) a n d w i t h p a r ro t s
( Pepperberg, 1998, 2007), have also met with some success. Is it real language? The
answer seems to be a qualified “yes.” The qualification is that none of the animals
that have achieved success so far can compare to the level of language development
of a 3-year-old human child (Pinker, 1995). However, linguists still debate whether
these animals are truly learning language if they are not also learning how to use
syntax— combining words into grammatically correct sentences as well as being able
to understand the differences between sentences such as “The girl kissed the boy”
and “The boy kissed the girl.” As yet, there is no conclusive evidence that any of the
animals trained in language have been able to master syntax (Demers, 1988; Johnson,
1995; Pinker, 1995).

Concept Map L.O. 7.11, 7.12, 7.13, 7.14

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the relationship

between

language

and thought

levels of

language analysis

language structures

worldwide

share common

characteristics

grammar

morphemes

pragmatics

taking turns

use of gestures

different ways of speaking

to different people

smallest units of meaning within a language

system of rules governing structure and use of language

according to Chomsky, humans have an innate ability,

language acquisition device (LAD) to understand and produce language

Language

social “niceties” or practical aspects

of communicating with others

phonemes basic units of sound in a language

syntax rules for combining words and phrases

does language

influence thought

or does thinking

influence

language?

linguistic relativity

hypothesis

animal studies

in language

relationship has been debated

Piaget believed that concepts preceded, and aided, language development

Vgotsky believed that language helps develop concepts and helps

the child learn to control behavior

words people use determine the way they think about the world; originally

proposed by Sapir and Whorf; may apply more to higher level concepts

suggests that some concepts are universal and influence the development

of language

all animals can communicate, their use of language is still under investigation

some success (chimpanzees, parrots, dolphins), may approach level

of 3-year-old human, no conclusive evidence of syntax mastery

semantics rules for determining the meaning of words and sentences

language allows children to think in words, ask questions, communicate needs and wants,

and form concepts

cooing, babbling, one-word speech, telegraphic speech,

whole sentences

stages of

language

development universal progressive stages