Overview Language may be one of the most important distinctions between us, humans, and our closest relatives in the community

Overview

Language may be one of the most important distinctions between us, humans, and our closest relatives in the community of life. While animals can communicate thoughts with great efficiency (think of the pheromones of ants, the dance of bees, the vocalizations of crows), no other system has the complexity, the flexibility, or the richness of human languages. While we have an instinctual propensity to acquire language, especially at a young age, the actual languages we learn will shape our minds and thoughts. We then navigate most of our lives using this amazing skill. Think of it this way: Would you have been able to demonstrate your capacity for attention or memory without being able to read the instructions? The question is: Does the mind shape the language? Or does the language that you speak shape how you think?

In these labs, you will discover how mastery of a specific language influences the speed and accuracy of processing verbal information. When doing these labs, you should ask yourself how much of our processing of words is passive, versus how much of it is about anticipating the next word. Are we receiving information or are we looking for what makes the most sense?

Prompt

Complete the following labs:

• Word Superiority
• Lexical Decision

Then complete the Module Five Lab Worksheet Template. Specifically, you must address the following rubric criteria:

• Record data and include screenshots of results for all module labs.
• For the Word Superiority lab, address lab questions accurately.
• For the Lexical Decision lab, address lab questions accurately.
• Address the module question accurately.

Guidelines for Submission

Submit your completed Module Five Lab Worksheet Template.