谈语言与认知

On language and cognition

讨论语言与认知及它们的相互关系,即认知在语言习得与发展过程中所起的作用,语言因素是否影响认知能力的发展,认知与语言是相互独立还是关联。皮亚杰认为语言不是特殊能力,随认知建构而发展。认知决定语言。乔姆斯基则主张语言是生来固有的智力结构的产物。语言习得有它的生物基础,即天生的语言习得机制。理解性地学习证实了皮亚杰的看法,而孩子能如此惊人而准确地掌握语言又支持了乔姆斯基的观点。研究表明语言与认知相互关联,相互依存共同发展。笔者认为人类的语言天赋,认知能力和父母的外界指导都是主要因素。

This paper discusses language and cognition and their relations. The discussion will touch such questions as what role cognition plays in the acquisition and the development of language; whether linguistic factors influence general cognitive development; whether cognitive and linguistic skills are distinctly separate or interrelated. Piaget thinks that the sequence of cognitive development determines the sequence of language development out of his constructivist view. Chomsky believes that language is the product of specific, innate mental structures. Language acquisition must have a strong biological basis—LAD(Language Aquisition Device). Learning by understanding justifies Piaget's point of view. Children's rapid and easy language acquisition supports Chomsky's idea. Research proves that a reasonable answer lies in the combination of the two. Linguistic development cannot be studied detached from cognition, since they are likely to influence one another in normal children. Language and cognition depend on each other for simultaneous development. The innateness, cognition and parents' guidance all contribute to it.