English Dialects

• Comparison of Dialects

  • Spanish variations: Mexican Spanish, Spain Spanish, Puerto Rican Spanish.

  • English variations: California English, Oklahoma English, New York English, British English vs. American English.

• Language Proficiency in America

  • Many Americans speak only English compared to other nations where students learn multiple languages.

  • The U.S. does not have an official declared language.

Language Acquisition Theories

• Noam Chomsky's Theory

  • Proposes that language acquisition is an unlearned human trait.

  • Introduced the concept of the Language Acquisition Device (LAD) that all humans are born with.

  • Advocates for Universal Grammar: inherent ability to learn language structure across all languages.

• B.F. Skinner's Theory

  • Contrasts Chomsky: proposes language is learned through reinforcement and conditioning.

Structure of Language

• Phonemes and Morphemes

  • Phonemes: smallest sound units in language.

  • Morphemes: smallest units of meaning in language.

• Building Blocks of Language Structure

  • Words: constructed from morphemes.

  • Phrases and Sentences: groups of words structured to convey meaning, governed by grammar rules.

• Grammar

  • Set of rules facilitating communication.

  • Variation of grammatical rules exists across languages (e.g., use of prepositions, sentence structure).

Importance of Grammar in Language

• Sentence Structure

  • Essential components: nouns, verbs, prepositional phrases, and articles must be used correctly to form coherent sentences.

• Perception of Language Skills

  • People are often judged based on their grammatical accuracy and language use, affecting educational and job opportunities.

• Semantics

  • Derives meaning from words and sentences; understanding context is crucial for effective communication.

Syntax and Sentence Formation

• Syntax

  • Rules governing the structure of sentences.

  • Differences in syntax can lead to confusion between languages (e.g., English adjective-noun structure vs. Spanish).

Universal Grammar (UG) and Critical Period

• Universal Grammar

  • Humans possess innate knowledge of linguistic structure and principles enabling them to learn languages.

• Critical Period

  • Labeled ages for optimal language acquisition: typically before 2 years for first languages, and before 7 years for second languages.

  • Language skills diminish if not learned during these crucial periods.

Language and Thought

• Linguistic Determinism

  • Philosopher Benjamin Whorf argued that the structure of language influences thought processes.

  • Example: Hopi language lacks past tense influencing how speakers perceive time.

• Bilingualism and Cognition

  • Bilingual individuals exhibit enhanced cognitive abilities compared to monolinguals.

  • Different languages provide varied perspectives on thinking.

Language Development in Infancy

• Stages of Language Development

  • Babbling Stage: Starts at around 4 months.

  • One-Word Stage: Around 1 year, children say simple words.

  • Two-Word Stage: Typically develops by the age of 2.

  • Sentence Formation: Rapid development of complex sentences follows.

• Receptive vs. Productive Language

  • Receptive language: understanding language.

  • Productive language: ability to express through words.

• Environmental Influence on Language Acquisition

  • Interaction and engagement in communication are key factors for development.

Attachment Theory and Child Development

• Separation and Stranger Anxiety

  • Separation anxiety emerges around 1 year of age, while stranger anxiety occurs around 8 months.

  • These behaviors are natural reactions indicating the need for security and attachment with caregivers.

• Theories of Attachment

  • Harry Harlow's Study

    • Used monkeys to observe attachment and comfort.

    • Found that comfort was preferred over food (clothed versus wire mothers).

  • Mary Ainsworth's Strange Situation

    • Categorized attachment styles: secure, avoidant, ambivalent, and disorganized.

    • Securely attached children displayed healthy relationships, while insecure attachments led to emotional issues in adult relationships.

Conclusion: Influence of Environment on Development

• Impact of Parenting on Attachment

  • Parental responsiveness is crucial for secure attachment development.

  • Inconsistent or neglectful parenting leads to anxious or avoidant attachment styles, impacting future relationships.

• Importance of Dual Parenting

  • Joint involvement of both parents enhances emotional stability and resilience in children.