Transcript The Power of Language

The Power of
Language
How did humans learn to
speak? Review.
 Our ancestors evolved
over millions of years
 As early humans
evolved, the brain grew
in size and complexity
 Anatomical evolution
allowed the larynx
(voice box), the hyoid
bone, and the jaw
muscles to produce
articulate speech
Spoken Language
 Part of the brain that controls speech
production is called Broca’s area
 This part of the brain is more developed
in humans than in other primates
 Language makes possible cultural
memory (generation to generation)
Ooooh, I gotta get
me one like that!
Definition:
LANGUAGE:
a sophisticated communication system that
includes vocabulary, or lexicon as well as a set of
rules or grammar outlining its proper use
Some social scientists say
that we learn language
 Ivan Pavlov said
that “Classic
Conditioning” trains
us to learn language
 B.F. Skinner said
that positive
reinforcement
teaches children how
to speak
Linguist Noam Chomsky:
Universal Grammar
 Chomsky says human language uses
universal grammar
 Learning to speak is better described as
the unfolding of a genetic program in the
brain: language is innately acquired
 Our brains’ are wired for language
Definition:
Universal Grammar:
Noam Chomsky’s
theory that all the
world’s languages
share a similar
underlying structure
My name is
Noam
Body Language
 Non-verbal communication can be as
revealing as speech or written language
 Facial expressions and gestures convey
powerful messages
 (Emoticons are an attempt to include
body language in e-texts) 
Try on some body language. . .
What might this mean?
What might this mean?
What might this mean?
What might these mean?
Definition:
BODY LANGUAGE:
the means of communicating information and
attitudes in a non-verbal manner
How Humans Communicate
COMMUNICATION
PROCESS
LANGUAGE
Speech
Writing
NON-VERBAL
COMMUNICATION
Body Language
Tone and Character
of Voice
Interaction Distances
Clothing, Make-up,
Etc.
New Languages and
Technology
 Current trend is toward faster and more
efficient forms of communication
 Create a dictionary of (appropriate)
textual abbreviations and emoticons
 Do you think that teachers should allow
students to use “MSN” speak or should
we stop degrading our language b4 it is 2
late? Why?