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Definition: Language is a multimodal system for encoding, decoding, and manipulating symbols for purposes of verbal thought and communication.
Characteristics of Language:
- Symbolic code that is rule-governed
- Uses several modalities and forms of expression
- Serves as a communication code for social and societal interaction
Components of Language:
- Physiological processes
- Psychological processes
- Environmental processes
Prerequisites for Language Acquisition:
- Cognitive requisites
- Typical milestone achievements
- Physiological requisites

Language is one of several symbolizing abilities for representing and manipulating mental concepts.
Emphasizes the sequence and rate of cognitive development as influencing language development.

Language develops due to the human motivation to interact socially and develop self-concepts.
Emphasizes communicative purposes over language structure and context.

Components of Language:
- Form: Phonology, Morphology, Syntax
- Content: Semantics
- Use: Pragmatics

Definition: Study of speech sounds and sound patterns.
Phoneme: A basic speech sound.
Phonological Rules: Govern sounds appearance and combinations.
- Example: In the word “pot,” the sounds /p/, /ɒ/, /t/ are governed by these rules.

Definition: Study of word structures.
Morpheme: The smallest meaningful unit of language.
- Example: In “birds,” “bird” is a base form and “s” is a meaningful plural indicator.

Definition: Arrangement of words to form sentences (grammar).
Collection of Rules: Governing word combinations into phrases/sentences.
- Example: Incorrect syntax in “Car green is” vs. correct “Car is green.”

Definition: Study of meaning in language.
Rules Governing Meaning:
- Categorization: Colors are categorized; e.g., red, green, blue are all colors.
- Incompatibility: e.g., red and green are mutually exclusive.

Definition: Study of rules governing language use in social contexts.
Social Rules Include:
- How to enter and exit conversations
- Taking turns during interactions
- Repairing errors in conversations
- Changing topics
- Example: A child failing to take turns while playing.

Semantics: First words are developed and combinations begin.
Phonology: Progress from babbling to first accurate sound production.
Morphology and Syntax: First forms emerge, beginning to combine meaningful units.
Pragmatics: Babies communicate immediately, understand nonverbals, and start combining them.

Semantics: Vocabulary growth to 200 words by 2-3 years, 1800 words by 4 years, and 3000-4000 by 5 years.
Phonology: Children start to produce certain sounds accurately.
Morphology and Syntax: Longer utterances are produced.
Pragmatics: Increased responsibility in storytelling and conversing.

Semantics: Vocabulary expansion continues, with potential declines in later life.
Phonology: Changes occurring throughout adulthood.
Morphology and Syntax: Increased error rates as specificity decreases.
Pragmatics: Development of complex arguments, narrations, and explanations, influenced by life changes.

Learning by Doing: Children learn language rules through interaction.
Social Community Influence: Learning occurs through interaction with family, friends, teachers, and the broader community.

First Words: Differences in first words and forms across cultures.
Social Expectations: Variation in interaction styles; e.g., expectations on when to talk, humor usage.
Parts of Language: Differing verb tenses, word orders, phonemes, styles, etc.

Definition: A set of shared beliefs and assumptions guiding thought, action, and daily interaction.
Cultural Socialization: Learning to interact within one's culture and adapting to another culture through language.

Examples of Cultural Variation: Differences between East and West Coast USA, USA and France.
Implications of Mismatches: Understanding of cultural differences essential for evaluating and understanding students and clients.

Pragmatic Misunderstandings: Leading to difficulties; may arise from phonological or pragmatic differences.
Learning Challenges: Differences can create learning barriers; sensitivity through ESL programs may aid integration.

Definition: Ability to know and use two or more languages.
Types of Bilingualism:
- Simultaneous Bilingualism: Acquiring two languages from birth or before age 3.
- Sequential Bilingualism: Establishing a first language and then learning a second language later, typically around school age.