AP PSYCH- Language Development

Language

A system of communication using symbols, sounds, and grammar to convey thoughts, feelings, and meaning

Critical Period

When the brain is most receptive to learning language, making it easier to acquire fluency

Phonemes

The smallest distinct units of sound in a language that can change the meaning of a word

Morphemes

The smallest units of meaning in a language, such as prefixes, suffixes, and root words

Senatntics

The study of meaning in language, focusing on how words, phrases, and sentences convey meaning

Grammar

The set of rules that govern how words are combined to form sentences, enabling clear and meaningful communication in a language

Syntax

Set of rules that determines the arrangement of words and phrases to form sentences in a language, affecting sentence structure and meaning

Cooing

Early stage of language development where infants produce repetitive, soft vowel sounds like “oo” and “ah”, usually starting around two months of age

Babbling Stage

Phase in language development, usually starting around 4-6 months, where infants produce repetitive consonant-vowel combinations like “ba-ba” and “da-da”

One-Word Stage

Phase in language development, typically around age one, where children use single words to represent who sentences or ideas`

Two-Word Stage

Phase in language development, around age two, where children start combining two words to form simple sentences, like “want cookie” or “go car”

telegraphic Speech

Involves using short, concise phrases that omit less essential words

Overgeneralization

Common error in language development where children apply grammatical rules too broadly, resulting in mistakes like “goed” instead of “went” or “tooths” instead of “teeth”