Introduction to Cognitive Science

Linguistic Approach to Cognitive Science

Linguistics is the study of language and has played a key role in the initial formation of Cognitive Science

Key Language Properties:

Communicative: Used for sharing information (production, transmission, and comprehension of information)
Arbitrary: Uses symbols (though some argue against this with Sound Symbolism)

Example of sound symbolism: One shape is called Bouba and one is called Kiki. Most people associate the left shape with Kiki and the right shape with Bouba — hence language might NOT be arbitrary
Structured: Follows grammatical rules
Generative: Can create countless new meanings
Dynamic: Changes over time

Grammatical Rules (Grammar):

Phonology: Rules for sounds
Morphology: Rules for word structure
Syntax: Rules for arranging words in sentences
Semantics: Rules for understanding meaning (e.g. metaphors)
Pragmatics: Rules for understanding intended meaning (e.g. saying “well done” when someone knocks over a bottle)

Language Processing:

Language processing is roughly carved up in short (phonology), medium (morphology) and long (syntax, semantics, pragmatics) time scales

Phonemes: Smallest units of speech without meaning (e.g., "ah" in "father")