Properties and features of language

There are two levels: distinct sound & distinct meaning

´Physical level at which we can produce individual sounds e.g. n, b, i.

´Meaning level: when we produce sounds in combination e.g.: nib, bin. This property is called:

• duality

• displacement

• arbitrariness

• reciprocity

The ability of human language to create new messages is called:

• duality

• displacement

• productivity

• discreteness

Animal language is arbitrary

• True

• False

Only humans have a vocal auditory channel

• Yes

• No

Which term is used to describe the ability of human language users to discuss topics which are remote in space and time?

• reciprocity

• discreteness

• displacement

• arbitrariness

What kind of evidence supports the idea that language is culturally transmitted?

• Bees who pass signals onto their offspring

• Chimps

• Humans who who pass language onto their offspring

• The inability of humans to inherit language

Which option is correct?

• Biped or human communication is completely different to animal communication

• Biped or human communication is completely identical to animal communication

• Biped or human communication has some unique characteristics that are not shared with animals

is the property that enables humans to use language to think and talk about language itself and does not appear to be present in any other creature's communication system

• Duality

• Cultural transmition

• Arbitrariness

• Reflexibity

There is not a natural connection between a linguistic form and its meaning

• Cultural transmition

• Double Articulation

• ´Arbitrariness

• Duality

Human language refers to the past, present and future- last night, at school, I’m flying to Paris next week

Abstract concepts: Things that do not exist in real life, e.g. superman, batman, Santa Claus. This property is called:

• Duality

• ´Displacement

• Cultural transmition

• Duality