Question

(LAN) When we think about words and generativity, which of the following is not true?

A. Words are lists that we store in our head like a dictionary
B. Rules exist in our mind for creating new words and rules for words created by others.
C. Rules exist in our mind about how to generate words using expletive infixation
D. Rules exist in our mind about how to generate words using pluralization.

Answer 1

It is not true that words are merely lists stored in our heads like a dictionary; rather, our brains possess complex language rules for generativity and creativity.

Step-by-step explanation:

When exploring words and generativity in language, it is not true that words are simply lists that we store in our heads like a dictionary. This concept is too simplistic and does not reflect our minds' complex systems for creating and understanding language. Instead, our brains house a rich set of rules of language that enable us to generate new words, understand words created by others, apply rules for pluralization, and even manipulate words through expletive infixation.

These rules are not explicitly taught but are acquired through immersion and interaction within a language community. Generativity in language refers to the capacity to create an endless number of sentences and expressions from a finite set of rules and words, showcasing the remarkable adaptability and creativity in human communication.

Answer 2

The incorrect statement about words and generativity is that words are stored in our heads like a dictionary (option A). Our understanding of language involves a complex set of rules for generating new words and using language creatively, which evolves as we engage with different contexts.

Step-by-step explanation:

When considering words and generativity in language, the statement that is not true is A. Words are lists that we store in our head like a dictionary. Language is not simply a collection of memorized words; rather, our understanding of language relies on a sophisticated set of rules for generating and interpreting speech and writing. These rules are part of our cognitive grammar and include the creation of new words and the pluralization of existing ones, but they also allow for much more complex operations such as composing sentences and conceptualizing abstract thoughts.

From an early age, children demonstrate an understanding of these rules through language acquisition and even through the mistakes they make, such as overgeneralization. For example, children may mistakenly say "gooses" or "mouses" instead of "geese" or "mice," showing their application of the rule for pluralization even when they have not yet learned the exception. This illustrates that our mental lexicon is more than just a stored list; it is a dynamic, rule-based system that evolves and adapts as we encounter different linguistic contexts and cultural norms.

The statement that rules exist for creating words with expletive infixation (C) might be less universally accepted, as it is a more marginal and less regulated aspect of language creativity, yet it still represents an aspect of language generativity and rule application.