Related Concept Videos
01:13What is Matter?
The substance of the universe—from a grain of sand to a star—is called matter. Scientists define matter as anything that occupies space and has mass. An object’s mass and its weight are related concepts, but not quite the same. An object’s mass is the amount of matter contained in the object and is the same whether that object is on Earth or in the zero-gravity environment of outer space. An object’s weight, on the other hand, is its mass as affected by the pull of gravity. Where gravity...
01:10Higher Mental Functions of the Brain: Language
Language is a system of communication that allows the expression of thoughts, ideas, and feelings. The brain processes language in both hemispheres.
Language formation and comprehension take place in the dominant hemisphere. The dominant hemisphere is responsible for understanding the meaning of spoken, written, or sign language, as well as the ability to communicate. For most people, the left hemisphere is the dominant one. The right hemisphere, then, gives tone and emotional context to the...
Language formation and comprehension take place in the dominant hemisphere. The dominant hemisphere is responsible for understanding the meaning of spoken, written, or sign language, as well as the ability to communicate. For most people, the left hemisphere is the dominant one. The right hemisphere, then, gives tone and emotional context to the...
01:16Language
Language is a unique communication system that uses words and systematic rules to organize and transmit information. Unlike other forms of communication, which may involve postures, movements, odors, or vocalizations, language relies on symbols and grammar. This makes human communication distinct from that of other species, who also communicate but do not use language in the same way humans do.
Corballis and Suddendorf (2007) and Tomasello and Rakoczy (2003) highlight the role of language in...
Corballis and Suddendorf (2007) and Tomasello and Rakoczy (2003) highlight the role of language in...
02:49Classifying Matter by State
Chemistry is the study of matter and the changes it undergoes. Matter is anything that has mass and occupies space. Matter is all around us; the air, water, soil, mountains, even our bodies are all examples of matter. Matter is divided into three states — solid, liquid, and gas — that are commonly found on earth. The fourth state of matter, plasma, occurs naturally in the interiors of stars.
01:27Language and Cognition
Language serves as a bridge between ideas and communication, influencing how individuals perceive and interact with the world. Psychologists have long debated whether language shapes thought or vice versa. This discussion gained grip with Edward Sapir and Benjamin Lee Whorf in the 1940s, who proposed that language determines thought, a concept known as linguistic determinism. They suggested that the vocabulary and structure of a language influence how its speakers think and perceive reality.
01:24Components of Language
Language, whether spoken, signed, or written, consists of specific components: lexicon and grammar. The lexicon is the vocabulary of a language, comprising its words. Grammar is the set of rules used to convey meaning through the lexicon. For example, English grammar adds “-ed” to most verbs to indicate past tense. Words are formed by combining phonemes, which are the basic sound units of a language. Different languages have different sets of phonemes (e.g., “ah” vs. “eh”). Phonemes combine to...
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Coming Out à l'oriental: Maghrebi-French performances of gender, sexuality, and religion.
Journal of homosexuality·2011
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Language matters: an introduction.
William L Leap1, Denis M Provencher
1Department of Anthropology, American University, Washington, DC, USA.
Journal of Homosexuality
|July 12, 2011
Summary
Language significantly shapes sexual experiences, identities, and practices across diverse global contexts. This research explores how linguistic elements influence non-normative sexualities and social interactions.
Area of Science:
- Sociolinguistics
- Sexuality Studies
- Cultural Anthropology
Background:
- The intricate relationship between language and human sexuality is a persistent area of inquiry.
- This special issue examines language-centric perspectives on same-sex desires, identities, practices, and other non-normative sexual experiences.
Discussion:
- Articles analyze language use across varied geographic and social settings.
- Linguistic practices investigated include Santería-related language, viewer comments on gay pornography, homophobic discourse, and narratives of sexual identity.
- The study also covers sexual messaging in Black hip hop culture, AIDS ministry assessments, and policies affecting transgender individuals.
Key Insights:
- Language plays a crucial role in the daily lived experiences of sexual sameness.
Outlook:
- Future research can build upon these diverse linguistic methodologies.
- Continued exploration of language and sexuality will deepen our understanding of diverse sexual experiences.
- This work provides a foundation for interdisciplinary studies on language, identity, and social justice.