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MA in Research Psychology Master's Defense by Karla Godfrey-Braga

When: Tuesday, November 16, 2021
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Where: > See description for location
Description: MA in Research Psychology Master's Defense by Karla Godfrey-Braga

Date & time: Tuesday, November 30,2021, 12:00 PM

Location: ROOM 374, LARTS, College of Arts & Sciences and via Zoom

Title: The Impact of Social Structure on Language Structure

Abstract:

The present research advances our understanding of the role of social structure in shaping the ways that language changes over time. We focus on two theories regarding the forces that shape language change: the universal benefit hypothesis, where languages become easier so everyone can comprehend; and the insider benefit hypothesis, where languages change in ways that benefit only members of the specific members of the language community, becoming more difficult for outsiders to comprehend. Study 1 (N= 48) investigated social structure's influence on language structure. Results did not cleanly align with either hypothesis, but this pattern may have been due to the limited time of existence for the two systems. Study 2 (N= 48) investigated an outsider's comprehension on different types of semiotic systems. Results were consistent with the insider benefit hypothesis which states that language was created to benefit insiders and evolved for easy usability. Study 3 (N= 51) investigated an insider's and outsider's comprehensibility of improvised and established semiotic systems at different length of existence. Results were again consistent with the insider benefit.

Keywords: language, social structure, universal benefit, insider benefit

Advisor: Dr. R Thomas Boone

Committee Members: Dr. Mary Kayyal and Dr. Jennifer Fugate

For additional information, including zoom link, please contact Ms. Verna Drayton at vdrayton@umassd.edu or 508-999-8380


R. Thomas Boone, Ph.D.
Professor/Chair
Department of Psychology
University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth
Topical Areas: University Community