Neurolinguistics and Language Acquisition Review

Flashcards based on lecture notes covering neurolinguistics, psycholinguistics, first language acquisition, and second language learning theories.

Neurolinguistics

The study of the relationship between the brain and language.

Localization view

The suggestion that different language functions are controlled by specific areas of the brain.

Right hemisphere

The part of the brain that contributes to the language process through intonation, emotions, humor, and understanding context.

Tip of the tongue

A phenomenon where you know a word but cannot remember it.

Malapropism

Using the wrong word because it sounds similar to the intended one.

Spoonerism

Also known as a slip of the tongue, it is the accidental mixing up of sounds or words while speaking.

Slip of the ear

The act of mishearing or misunderstanding what someone says.

Aphasia

A language disorder caused by brain damage, usually resulting from a stroke, head injury, or brain tumor.

Broca's aphasia

A condition characterized by slow and difficult speech but good comprehension.

Wernicke's aphasia

A condition characterized by fluent speech with little meaning and poor comprehension.

Conduction aphasia

A condition involving good comprehension but difficulty repeating words.

Dichotic listening test

A test where different sounds are played into each ear at the same time to study language processing.

Critical period

The early stage of life when language is learned most easily.

Lateralization

The specialization of each brain hemisphere for different functions.

Genie's case

A case study that proved language is very difficult to learn after the critical period has passed.

Psycholinguistics

The study of how the mind processes and acquires language.

Developmental linguistics

The study of how language develops throughout life, especially in children.

Acquisition schedule

The typical order in which children learn language forms, such as $-ing \rightarrow -s$ (plural) $\rightarrow -'s$ (possessive) $\rightarrow -ed$.

Caregiver speech

The simplified language adults use with children, featuring slow speech, simple sentences, repetition, and higher pitch.

Cooing

The stage of language acquisition occurring at $6–8$ months where children produce vowel-like sounds.

Babbling

The stage of language acquisition occurring at $6–10$ months involving repeated syllables like "bababa".

One-word stage

The stage of language acquisition occurring at $12–18$ months where single words are produced.

Two-word stage

The stage of language acquisition occurring at $18–24$ months consisting of two-word combinations.

Telegraphic speech

The stage of language acquisition occurring at $2–3$ years characterized by short sentences with key words.

Overgeneralization

The process of applying a language rule even to exceptions, such as saying "mouses" or "drinked".

Overextension

Using one word to describe many things, such as using the word "water" for many different liquids.

Acquisition

A natural and unconscious process of picking up a language.

Learning

A conscious process of acquiring language through formal instruction.

Transfer

The influence of the first language (L1) on the second language (L2).

Interlanguage

The learner's developing language system between L1 and L2, a theory developed by Larry Selinker in $1972$.

Fossilization

When incorrect language forms become permanent and stop improving.

Communicative competence

The ability to use language effectively in real situations, composed of grammatical, sociolinguistic, discourse, and strategic competence.

Applied Linguistics

The application of linguistic knowledge to solve real-life language problems, especially in teaching.

Linguistic universals

Features that are common to all languages.

Unmarked rules

Language rules that are easier and more common.

Marked rules

Language rules that are more complex and less common.

Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD)

The difference between what learners can do alone and what they can do with help.

Affective Filter Hypothesis

Krashen's theory that emotional factors like anxiety or low motivation can block language acquisition.

Brain plasticity

The property of the human brain that enables the learning of languages.