Language Development (Chapter 9)

These flashcards cover key concepts from Chapter 9 on language development, including language definitions, phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, and the importance of social interaction in language acquisition.

What is language?

A form of communication that uses symbols to represent concepts.

What are phonemes?

The basic units of sound in a language.

What happens to infants' phoneme discrimination after 6 months?

They become better at discriminating phonemes within their own language, but worse within other languages.

At what age do infants begin showing evidence of word comprehension?

By 6 months.

What is perceptual scaffolding in language acquisition?

Using one's own name as an anchor for learning new words.

What are the stages of early vocalization in language development?

Cooing, babbling, speaking.

What is a morpheme?

The minimal unit of meaning in word formation.

How many morphemes are in the word 'houseboat'?

Two morphemes.

What is overextension in language development?

Using a word too broadly, e.g., 'doggy' for all dogs.

What is underextension in language development?

Using a word narrowly, e.g., 'doggy' only for their dog.

What is telegraphic speech?

Two-word phrases used by toddlers that convey meaning.

What is the monolingual myth?

The assumption that children are better off learning just one language.

What are the benefits of learning multiple languages?

Enhanced executive control skills and perspective-taking abilities.

What is syntax?

The manner in which morphemes and words are combined into sentences.

What does the ‘wug’ test demonstrate?

Children's ability to apply grammatical rules to novel words.

What is overregularization in language development?

Applying regular grammatical rules to irregular words, e.g., 'tooths' instead of 'teeth'.

What is semantics?

The meaning of words and sentences.

What is pragmatics?

Learning how language is used in specific contexts within a culture.

What are narratives in language development?

Progressing from simple to more detailed storytelling as children age.

What are the two perspectives on how children acquire grammar?

Behaviourist perspective and nativist perspective.

What role does the brain play in language acquisition?

Specialized structures like Broca’s area and Wernicke’s area support language.

What is the Language Acquisition Device (LAD)?

A proposed innate mechanism for learning language.

What is the critical period for language learning?

A time frame where exposure to language is crucial for full linguistic competence.

How do infants communicate before mastering language?

By using gestures.

What is American Sign Language (ASL)?

A true language that is symbolic, arbitrary, generative, and shows displacement.

How do deaf children exposed to ASL progress linguistically?

They progress through language milestones similarly to hearing children.

What is fast-mapping in relation to vocabulary expansion?

Quickly learning new words after limited exposure.

What happens when deaf children are not exposed to sign language?

They often create their own systems, such as Nicaraguan Sign Language.

What is an example of a referential communication skill?

Producing clear verbal messages.

What is a common strategy toddlers use to simplify speech?

Producing 'minimal words', e.g., 'du' for 'juice'.

When do children begin using two-word phrases?

Between 18 and 24 months.

What is the importance of conversation in language development?

It enhances learning and language skills.

What cognitive ability is enhanced by learning multiple languages?

Executive control skills.

What does 'illocutionary intent' refer to?

What a speaker means to convey beyond the literal words.

What are some examples of grammatical manipulation?

Changing sentence structure while retaining meaning.

What type of language do children with older siblings often use?

Expressive language, which is more social in nature.

What is an example of a semantically correct but syntactically incorrect sentence?

'Colourless green ideas sleeping furiously'.

What do we call the simplified speech observed in young children?

Telegraphic speech.

Why is being exposed to conversation important for infants?

It fosters better language development through interactive learning.