Studiegids voor samenvattingen bij Children’s Thinking: Cognitive Development and Individual Differences van Bjorklund e.a.

Primates have been able to learn simple language. However, this may not actually be language use and comprehending as they do not use complex grammar (1), lack social-cognitive abilities that allow for language learning (2) and lack a theory of mind (3). Language may have co-evolved with social intelligence.

Language refers to the systematic and conventional use of sounds, signs or written symbols for the intention of communication or self-expression. Human language differs from the communication of other animals in three ways:

• Human language is symbolic (i.e. it represents something independent of the sound)
• Human language is grammatical.
• Human language varies with culture.\

There are seven functions of language:

1. Instrumental (i.e. express needs).
2. Regulatory (i.e. tell others wat to do).
3. Personal (i.e. express feelings, opinions and individual identity).
4. Interactional (i.e. make contact and form relationships).

Voorbeeld tentamenvragen bij Children’s Thinking: Cognitive Development and Individual Differences - Bjorklund