LING 4100

While-viewing question sheet

The Human Language Series Part #1

Directions: Answer the following questions based on what is presented in the film.

1. Describe the 3 major revolutions in linguistics.

a. ~200 years ago:

b. ~turn of the 20th Century:

c. 1957:

2. What is a possible definition of a “word” that is presented in the film?

3. Approximately how old is a child when he/she can understand natural speech/pick language apart?

4. What does the “Marble and the Box” example illustrate?

5. Finish the sentence: “A finite number of words can create _____________________________________________________.

6. What biological event linked sound and meaning together?

7. What is the “first task” of grammar?

8. What does the following sentence demonstrate?: Colorless green ideas sleep furiously.

9. What is “Universal Grammar”?

10. What’s the main difference between English and Warlpiri (an indigenous language spoken in an isolated part of Australia)?

11. What are some of the limitations of language?

12. For whom is language ‘simple’? Do you agree with this statement? Why or why not?