Question 1

The concept of semantics refers to:
A) knowledge of how language is used in different social contexts
B) the form and order in which words are combined to make grammatical sentences
C) the meanings encoded in language
D) the system that governs the particular sounds used in a language

Accepted Answer

Semantics refers to the study of meaning in language, so the correct answer is C, which states that it is concerned with the meanings encoded in language. Option A refers to pragmatics, option B refers to syntax, and option D refers to phonology.

Question 2

Infant-directed speech is characterized by:
A) exaggerated intonation
B) rising and falling sounds
C) a higher than usual pitch
D) all of the above

Accepted Answer

Infant-directed speech, also known as "motherese," is characterized by all of the listed features: exaggerated intonation, rising and falling sounds, and a higher than usual pitch. These features are thought to help infants better attend to and distinguish language sounds, and also serve to capture their attention and facilitate social bonding.

Question 3

Who proposed that all languages have a universal grammar?
A) Chomsky
B) Tomasello
C) Piaget
D) Vygotsky

Accepted Answer

The proposal of universal grammar is closely associated with Noam Chomsky, a prominent linguist and philosopher. He argues that all human beings are born with an innate ability to acquire language because they possess a universal grammar that serves as a blueprint for all possible languages. This theory has been widely debated and studied in linguistics and related fields.

Question 4

Who argued that we can only understand mental functioning by considering it in its social context?
A) Chomsky
B) Tomasello
C) Vygotsky
D) none of the above

Accepted Answer

Vygotsky's sociocultural theory emphasizes the role of social interactions in cognitive development, suggesting that mental functioning cannot be understood in isolation from its social context.

Question 5

Children begin to use words that refer to internal states, such as emotions, at:
A) 9 months
B) 12 months
C) 18 months
D) 24 months

Accepted Answer

Children typically begin to use words that refer to internal states, such as emotions, around 24 months of age. This is when they start developing a more complex understanding of their own emotions and those of others, which is reflected in their expanding vocabulary.

Question 6

It is important for parents to read to their pre-school children because:
A) it teaches them the shapes and sounds of letters
B) it helps children make the transition to literacy
C) it is an enjoyable way to learn about narrative forms
D) all of the above

Accepted Answer

Reading to pre-school children has multiple benefits, including teaching them the shapes and sounds of letters, helping them make the transition to literacy, and introducing them to narrative forms in an enjoyable way. Therefore, all the given options are correct.

Question 7

Collective argumentation is:
A) a form of conflict resolution
B) a collective process of discussion and sharing perspectives
C) a collective method for scoring points over others
D) a form of youth parliament

Accepted Answer

Collective argumentation is a process of discussing and sharing perspectives in a group setting. It involves actively listening to others, presenting and defending one's own ideas, and working towards common goals through mutual understanding and collaboration. It is not about scoring points over others or engaging in conflict resolution, although it can be used to facilitate conflict resolution. It is also not necessarily restricted to a youth parliament, as it can be used in any setting where collective decision-making is important.

Quiz 5: Language and Communication

The concept of semantics refers to:

Infant-directed speech is characterized by:

Who proposed that all languages have a universal grammar?

Who argued that we can only understand mental functioning by considering it in its social context?

Children begin to use words that refer to internal states, such as emotions, at:

It is important for parents to read to their pre-school children because:

Collective argumentation is: