Copy of 3.5 Communication & Language Development

Language Development Overview

• Key Concepts:

  • Acquiring Language: Introduce universal grammar.

  • Milestones: Identify critical periods in language development.

  • Brain Areas: Involved in language and speech processing.

  • Thinking and Language: Explore their relationship and the value of visual thinking.

Language Acquisition

• Definition: Language comprises spoken, written, or signed words to communicate meaning.

• Chomsky's Theories:

  • Language is a natural human trait.

  • Existence of a language acquisition device for learning any language.

  • Concept of universal grammar as an innate ability.

• Elements:

  • Phonemes: Smallest sound units (e.g., “ah,” “t,” “sh”).

  • Morphemes: Smallest units of meaning (e.g., "readers" = three morphemes).