The Cognitive Basis of Language

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1 The cognitive basis of language 1.1 Introduction: Sign systems - signs = method of expression to share information with other humans for example by using hands or by speaking Indexical sign or index ⁃ Points to something in it`s immediate vicinity ⁃ Ex. Signpost for traffic, raising the eyebrows Iconic sign or icon ⁃ Visual, auditory or any other perceptual image of the thing it stands for ⁃ Similar to the thing it represent ⁃ Ex. Road sign road crossing children – warn driver to look out for children ⁃ Ex. Road sign danger by an animal, falling rocks, pictures of lorries, bridges, etc. Symbolic signs or symbol ⁃ No natural link between form and the its meaning ⁃ Only a conventional link ⁃ Ex. Traffic sign inverted triangle – give right of way ⁃ Ex. All flags, $, €, etc. Semiotics ⁃ Scholarly discipline that studies systems of signs in all their manifestations ⁃ Look also at other forms of human and non-human communicative behavior such as getures, clothing, keeping distances, etc. 1.2 Structuring principles in language 1.2.1 The principle of indexicality language - “principle of indexicality” means that we can point to things in our scope of attention - “egocentric view” means we consider ourselves to be at the centre of universe, everything around us is seen from our point of view - ex. Place where I am is refferd as “here”, time when we speak is “now” - “deictic expressions”: here, there, now, then, today, tomorrow, this, that, come, go, I, you, we - relate to the speaking EGO, who imposes his perspective on the world - depend for their interpretation on the situation in which they are used - have to know the situation - ex. “Tomorrow at ten, meet here!” you don’t know the situation, so it’s rather meaningless - EGO also serves as the “deictic centre” for locating things in space - ex. “The house is in front of me”

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