Mesut Deniz

Page 27(Answer Question #1)

Computer analogy and notion parameter

I fully agree that our brain is capable of making connections as soon as language is started to be exposed
to however; computer analogy option still looks a little shady. When I think of computer analogy
possibility, few questions arise. If we have innate system for languages, why is it harder to learn language
in older ages? We learn first language mostly through visualizations and repetitions. As mentioned in the
book mothers or caretaker speech; if we are exposed to a new word from other language, we can know
its meaning only by translating it to native language or again if it is visualized. Plus, in my opinion
computer analogy method would contradict with peoples capability in learning languages. If we all have
a set up prepared in our brain, certain parts of language should be same harder or easier for everybody to
remember and learn. When Chomsky give example about converting word order in the sentence from
SVO to VSO for Arabic kid, I found it well explained through word meanings and ability to make
connections through experience than computer analogy approach. So I agree with connectionists idea that
unlike the language itself, ability to find bonds among words is innate. Once we learn the parts of the
language, we can make connections with the parts of the other language easily when it is translated. Thats
how we understand if the word is a verb in the first language, likewise the word will be a verb in the
second language as well.
Social interaction
Social interaction takes a big role in developing language. It starts from word pronunciation and making
simple sentences to exclamations and phrases used in society. I would like to separate importance of social
interaction into 3 main phases:
Pronunciation and use of the words: Lets say we have 4 English as second language learners. One was
learning in England, one in Australia, one in United States, and one learnt second language in his/her
native country. Even though they all speak the same language, their pronunciation will differ from one
another.
Vocabulary: Social interaction has a big impact on vocabulary. Often it depends on occupation and
people we interact with. Butcher, who interacts only with his social level people, doesnt read much will
have basic vocabulary. Businessmans or politicians vocabulary will be different. It is also possible that
person might use one kind of vocabulary in his first language and use another kind of vocabulary in his
second language. IT specialist who works in foreign country will know basic vocabulary in his/her native
language but not necessarily IT terminology (if he never worked in his own country).
Quotes, expressions, slang: Although these are not used in official language, they may cause a lot of
problems for second language acquisition. They can be learnt only from interaction with society.
All in all, I think that languages are learnt from experience and through constant use. That explains
why we tend to forget the words of the second language after a while when not used. For the first
language, we learn words from repetitions and active usage. Afterwards, we use brain ability to bond one
word with another. Now I respected everybodys approach.