LANGUAGE AND COGNITION

Language and Cognition

Language and Cognition

Language is a cognitive function that most of us take for granted. It starts from early on, some say at conception, and it develops in complexity as we get older. It is an essential part of communication and without it its development would be greatly hindered. This natural process requires complex structures and reasoning, the bringing together of sounds and words to develop concrete ideas and thoughts. In this paper we will discuss the components of language and how it relates to cognitive processes.

Language and Lexicon

Our basic mean of communication among species and interspecies is through language. Language enables us to communicate with each other, our thoughts and feelings, ideas and concepts, likes, and dislikes, fears, dreams and affirmations. (Ramus, 2006) Given our need to communicate, language comes in many forms based on species and its requirements. Babies talk the baby talk and babble; there are no words yet, but they are starting to communicate. However, language is not always verbal; people who are unable to verbally communicate rely on sign language or other means. Thus it can be said that in order to communicate with each other, as well as other species, we are able to do so thru the use of words, sounds, body movement and many other patterns if necessary. At every stage of our lives, we learn new forms of communication; we understand the meaning of words and the meanings and contexts in which they are used. (Pinker & Jackendoff, 2005)

Different cultures have different languages, sub-dialects, syntax and lexicon as well as all the vocabulary and grammatical components of each language. A lexicon refers to a part of the memory that acts as a dictionary. Thus, we can say that the lexicon organizes what is heard. The lexicon stores components related to words such as; pronunciation, spelling, and a part of speech. (Richerson & Boyd, 2005)

Key Features of Language

To perform their duties accurately, the language contains a finite set of Key Features that are used in accordance with a set of rules.

The Key Features of language are:

a) Phonemes: The smallest unit of sound in the language

b) Morphemes: The smallest unit of meaning

c) Syntax: Are the rules by which the phonemes are combined to form valid expressions.

d) Semantic: Deals with the meaning of words and sentences

e) Pragmatics: The practical use of language to communicate with others in different social context.

Four Levels of Language Structure and Processing

The four levels of language structure and processing are phonemes, words, sentences, and texts. The first level of language structure and processing is phonemes. Phonemes are sounds; these sounds must be remembered and understood correctly according to the language. Phonemes make up words, which must be remembered and understood correctly according to the language. Words make up sentences, which must be remembered and understood correctly according to the language. Sentences make up texts, which must be remembered and understood correctly according to the language. (Ramus, 2006)

In order to carry on a conversation with a person one ...