Psy 360 Language Essay - 1417 Words

Language Essay Ryan Butler Psychology 360 August 29, 2011 Professor Newlin LANGUAGE Have you ever wondered how we speak? How about why our communication is considered a language and other animal’s communication is not considered language? A wide range of beliefs exist on what defines language. Thus, by exploring the definition of language and lexicon, evaluating language’s key features, the four levels of language structure and processing, and the role of language in Cognitive Psychology, an understanding of what language is becomes clear. Let us begin by defining language and a term named lexicon. LANGUAGE AND LEXICON DEFINITION One big question, when the subject of language comes up, is exactly what language is. What†¦show more content†¦of a word. Also, the Yerkes (2011) text defines Lexicology as a study focusing on the meaning of words. Thus, we see a lexicon as an area in the human brain which stores the meaning, and all aspects, associated with a word. However, to reach the point where a lexicon may be used language must be acquired. To acquire such a skill, one must master the four levels associated with language. FOUR LEVELS OF LANGUAGE To constitute what a language is, four levels of language structure have been established. Specifically, these levels of analysis include phenomes, words, sentences and texts. According to the Willingham (2007) text, phenomes are a small unit of sound which make up a word. A potential problem is if these words are mispronounced. For example, slang changes from one area to another. When a person is thrown a new word, it throws them off on the rest of the topic. If I say Im fixin to go downtown, some may only know fixin as literally fixing something and not preparing or getting ready as fixin means in this context. This non familiar use of a word may be confusing to oneself, but to the person saying the word, â€Å"fixin† is a lexicon built into a vocabulary. Accents of foreigners may be another potential barrier. By mishearing these phenomes and not understanding language due to this deficit, obtaining meaningful language is difficult. Words themselves, and specifical ly the separation of words, may be another potential barrier to languageShow MoreRelatedFate and Destiny7886 Words   |  32 Pagesmeans â€Å"to ordain, to devote, to consecrate† and is connected to the word destination, suggesting that destiny \\server05\productn\T\THE\26-1-2\THE1203.txt unknown Seq: 2 26-FEB-07 9:49 206 Journal of Theoretical and Philosophical Psy. Vol. 26, 2006 includes both a direction and a plan (p. 89). Bollas states that â€Å"[D]estiny is linked to actions rather than words. If fate emerges from the word of the gods, than destiny is a preordained path that man can fulfill† (p. 32). In EnglishRead MoreHuman Resources Management150900 Words   |  604 Pagestraining becomes crucial to acquaint new employees with their jobs and the McDonald’s philosophy of customer service and quality. McDonald’s has taken its Hamburger University curriculum from the United States and translated it into 22 different languages to use in training centers throughout the world. Once training has been done for trainers and managers, they then conduct training for all employees selected to work at McDonald’s locations in the foreign countries.54 Questions 1. Identify cultural