Topic 6

Topic 6: Language Acquisition and Development (0-18 Years)

Language Acquisition and Development: A Uniquely Human Feat

• Human communication is distinguished by 'language', encompassing spoken and written forms, as well as verbal and non-verbal systems.

• Language acquisition is deemed a remarkable intellectual feat, especially as much of it occurs in early childhood.

• Understanding language acquisition and development is critical for educators and future teachers.

Nomenclature: Acquisition vs. Learning

• Language Acquisition: Natural, unconscious process, as in learning to walk.

• Language Learning: Conscious process requiring instruction, as in learning to read.

• Common terms:

  • L1/L1A: First Language Acquisition—acquisition of a native language.

  • L2/L2A: Second Language Acquisition—acquisition of a non-native language.

Typical Stages of Language Acquisition and Development

• Children generally acquire language through predictable stages, but there can be individual variation.

• Recognizing individual milestones is crucial for educators.

Stage 1: Babbling

• Begins around 3-4 months; not yet true language.

• By 6 months, infants start to babble, recognizing their native sounds.

• Protolanguage: Distinct, private system of sound production, intelligible only to caregivers.

Stage 2: Single-Word Utterances

• Starts around 8 months, with first single-word utterances around 1 year.

• Single-word phrases convey complete meanings (e.g., "allgone", "wassat").

• Known as Holophrases—words that represent broader concepts.

Stage 3: Two-Word Utterances

• Typically occurs around 2 years; children begin to grasp grammar basics.

• They start making meaningful connections between signs and meanings.

• Common semantic errors arise:

  • Over-extension: Using a word too broadly (e.g., all animals are "dog").

  • Under-extension: Using a word too narrowly (e.g., only the family pet is a "dog").

Stage 4: Telegraphic Speech

• Achieved around 2 years; consists of longer strings of words but lacks syntax.

• Uses key content words while omitting less critical function words (e.g., "cat stand up table").

• Similar to a telegram format, omitting unnecessary words.

Stage 5: Simple Grammar

• Occurs just before starting school, marked by rapid vocabulary growth (10-20 words a day).

• Children develop functional control of language, with vocabulary over 2000 words by age 5.

• They understand words as signs with multiple meanings.

• Example of negative sentence progression:

  • 1: No want some food.

  • 2: I no/don’t want some food.

  • 3: I don’t want no food.

  • 4: I don’t want any food.

Stage 6: Complex Grammar

• By age 7, children grasp complex grammatical structures.

• Ability to form questions correctly, using clauses effectively.

• Adolescents demonstrate:

  • Mastery of grammar and sophisticated vocabulary.

  • Skills in abstract reasoning and discussion of theoretical concepts.

Theories of Language Acquisition and Development

• Theory Definition: Theories explain phenomena and are tested against evidence.

• No single theory fully explains language acquisition and development.

1. Behaviourist Theory (Burrhus Skinner)

• Premise: Language is a behavior, acquired through repetition, imitation, and reinforcement.

• Implication: Learning language is similar to learning any other behavior.

2. Nativist Theory (Noam Chomsky)

• Theory Suggestion: Humans have an innate capacity for language, with a hard-wired Language Acquisition Device (LAD).

• Concepts of Universal Grammar underpin this theory, suggesting language learning tools are present at birth.

3. Socioculturalist Theory (Lev Vygotsky, Jerome Bruner, Michael Halliday)

• Acknowledges the nativist argument but emphasizes interaction and context in language development.

• Highlights the role of knowledgeable adults in modeling language and scaffolding learning.

Conclusion on Theories of Language Development

• The Behaviourist theory has faced significant critique and rejection.

• Further exploration of Nativist and Sociocultural theories provides insight into language development.