Paper 3, Q2 Child Language Acquisition (CLA)

What is the main idea of the Behaviourist theory in child language acquisition?

Children imitate adults, and their correct utterances are reinforced by rewards or praise.

Who proposed the innateness theory of language acquisition?

Noam Chomsky.

What does the Interactionist Theory emphasize in language acquisition?

The importance of interaction between children and their caregivers.

What is the Language Acquisition Device (LAD)?

A hypothesized innate mechanism in children's brains that helps them acquire language.

What are the stages of child language acquisition according to developmental milestones?

1. The Babbling Stage 2. The Holophrastic Stage 3. The Two-Word Stage 4. The Telegraphic Stage 5. The Post-Telegraphic Stage.

What is Child Directed Speech (CDS)?

A type of speech that caregivers use when talking to children, characterized by simpler vocabulary, shorter sentences, and exaggerated intonation.

What is the key criticism of the Behaviourist theory?

Language is based on structures and rules that cannot be learned solely through imitation.

What is the significance of 'virtuous errors' in language acquisition?

They demonstrate that children are actively applying rules in language, rather than simply imitating.

What are Halliday's seven functions of language in child language acquisition?

1. Instrumental 2. Regulatory 3. Interactional 4. Personal 5. Representational 6. Heuristic 7. Imaginative.

What is the main focus of Cognitive Theory in language acquisition?

Language acquisition is linked to overall cognitive development and understanding of concepts.

What evidence supports the Innateness Theory?

Human anatomy is adapted for speech, specific areas of the brain are linked to language functions, and children naturally create language systems like creole.

What is the role of MLU (Mean Length of Utterance) in measuring language development?

It is a way to measure the average length of a child's spoken sentences, used to track language development.

How do children typically develop grammatical structures?

They go through stages where they gradually learn and apply grammatical rules, often starting with simpler forms.

What does the term 'scaffolding' refer to in language acquisition?

The support caregivers provide to help children learn language, similar to scaffolding in building construction.

What do studies suggest about the critical period for language acquisition?

There is a time frame in which children must receive language exposure, typically from 2 years to puberty, to fully acquire language.

How does the Interactionist approach differ from the Innateness Theory?

The Interactionist approach emphasizes social interaction for language learning, while the Innateness Theory focuses on biological mechanisms.

What is a 'holophrase'?

A single word used by a child that represents a complete thought or concept.

What are some common phonological difficulties children face during language development?

Children may struggle with certain sounds or phonemes due to developing muscle control, leading to substitutions, deletions, or additions.

What was Jean Piaget's view on language acquisition?

He believed that cognitive development must precede language acquisition and that language development is linked to a child's understanding of the world.

What is the significance of social interactions in learning language according to the Interactionist Theory?

Children learn language best through engaging and meaningful interactions with caregivers and peers.

How does the Functional Theory describe the purpose of language in children?

Language is used as a tool for various purposes, such as fulfilling needs, forming relationships, and exploring the environment.

What is the Behaviourist theory's view on children's language learning?

Children learn language through imitation and reinforcement.

How does the Interactionist Theory view language acquisition?

It emphasizes the role of social interaction in language learning.

What is the critical period hypothesis in language acquisition?

It suggests there is an optimal time frame for acquiring language, typically between ages 2 and puberty.

What role does reinforcement play in the Behaviourist theory?

Reinforcement strengthens children's correct utterances through rewards or praise.

What is an example of a 'virtuous error' made by children?

Saying 'goed' instead of 'went,' showing they are applying grammatical rules.

What do children typically use holophrases for?

To express complete thoughts with single words.

What is Child Directed Speech (CDS) tailored for?

It is designed to be simpler and more engaging for children.

How do phonological difficulties affect children's speech?

They may lead to sound substitutions or omissions due to developing articulation.

What is the main idea of Cognitive Theory in language development?

Language learning is linked to a child's cognitive development stages.

How does the Functional Theory describe the necessity of language?

Language serves various functions such as fulfilling needs and forming relationships.