Speech and Language, Other Subject

Assignment Help:
Language is a multifaceted and complex cognitive function

Imagine a situation where one is in a foreign country and cannot utter a word in the local tongue. Further, imagine that gesturing in that country would follow a peculiar logic of its own that one could not comprehend. Under such circumstances one quickly comes to realize the importance of being able to communicate with others, through speaking, gesturing, reading, and/or writing. Indeed, the seeming ease at which one normally commands one’s mother tongue is highly misleading. In reality, language is one of the most complex and amazing of human cognitive functions.


Difficulties in developing computer programs that would be able to command language well enough to carry a conversation with a human is one example of the complexity of the task that the brain faces when listening and speaking. Further, out of all species, mankind is the only one capable of the kind of highly sophisticated and abstract form of communication that language represents. To some extent it has been debated whether language is unique to humans (i.e., whether ”speech is special”) and there are language-like communicative calls and gesturing in other animals. The most striking manifestation of language ability in other species have been obtained in studies where sign language was taught to non-human primates (Gardner and Gardner, 1969), however, even the best of these examples fail to compare with the richness of human language.


Human language is a multifaceted skill. In order to communicate effectively, one has to know the meanings of different words (semantic knowledge) and have sufficient command of grammar to organize the words in an appropriate manner to be understood. Further, in order to read and write, one also has to have command of the orthographic (how words are written) and phonological (how words are pronounced) knowledge. With respect to this, there is variability between different languages, with prominent ambiguity in English (as there is no one-to-one correspondence between the written form and pronunciation) and non-ambiguous pronunciation in some other languages such as Italian and Finnish, where there is one-to-one correspondence between the written form and pronunciation.

Related Discussions:- Speech and Language

Describe a surface design for the set-up box, Question: You have been c...

Question: You have been commissioned to design a gift box for a speciality shop. Your client asked you to propose a triangular set up box with raised platform for a high-end c

Watershed protection division, Watershed Protection Division (WPD): The Wa...

Watershed Protection Division (WPD): The Watershed Protection Division (WPD) conserves the soil and water resources of the District and protects its watersheds from nonpoint sourc

Importance of the project proposal, The importance of producing a well-defi...

The importance of producing a well-defined project proposal cannot be overstated. The activity of preparing a full project proposal provides you with an opportunity to think throug

Mention the aims of education in present scenario., Mention the Aims of Edu...

Mention the Aims of Education in present scenario. in 250 words

Database, how to do database project

how to do database project

Ethical theories, Compare or Contrast two Ethical theories Write a short ...

Compare or Contrast two Ethical theories Write a short (3-5 page) paper comparing and contrasting the theories of two of the following: Aristotle, Machiavelli, Kant, Locke, Mill

Anus, The anus is the last part of the digestive tract. It is a 2-inch long...

The anus is the last part of the digestive tract. It is a 2-inch long canal consisting of the pelvic floor muscles and the two anal sphincters (internal and external). The lining o

Fees charged to customers in credit cards, FEES CHARGED TO CUSTOMERS Th...

FEES CHARGED TO CUSTOMERS The main fees are for delayed payments or late payments Charges that result in more than the credit limit on the card (whether done deliber

What''s audience analysis?, Question 1 What are the indicators of Excellen...

Question 1 What are the indicators of Excellence in Technical Communication? Question 2 What's Audience Analysis? Explain its significance in Technical Communication

Medieval church and crusades, Hi i need help on how to write an anylitical ...

Hi i need help on how to write an anylitical essay on the topic above

Write Your Message!

Captcha
Free Assignment Quote

Assured A++ Grade

Get guaranteed satisfaction & time on delivery in every assignment order you paid with us! We ensure premium quality solution document along with free turntin report!

All rights reserved! Copyrights ©2019-2020 ExpertsMind IT Educational Pvt Ltd