Bilingualism and Language Development Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What was a significant flaw in Smith's (1939) research on bilingualism and language development?

  • Smith’s study did not include a sufficient sample size to demonstrate statistically significant results.
  • She failed to consider that the 'errors' in the English of Hawaiian children might reflect a different dialect, rather than deficient language skills. (correct)
  • She did not account for socioeconomic differences between the children in Iowa and Hawaii.
  • Her data on the language of children from Hawaii were gathered through second-hand accounts, rather than direct observation.

Which theoretical perspective is reflected in the research of Smith (1939), Bereiter and Engelman (1966), and Basil Bernstein (1960, 1961)?

  • A cognitive development model, emphasizing universal stages regardless of linguistic background
  • A sociolinguistic framework, acknowledging the contextual appropriateness of different language varieties
  • A balanced bilingual approach, valuing proficiency in both languages equally
  • A deficit perspective, viewing non-standard language use as inherently inferior (correct)

What concern exists regarding early second-language learning, as highlighted in the text?

  • The cognitive load of managing two languages may delay overall intellectual development.
  • Children may develop a preference for their second language, leading to the abandonment of their first.
  • Early exposure to a second language inevitably leads to code-switching, confusing linguistic rules.
  • Bilingualism might hinder the complete acquisition of either the first or second language, resulting in lower proficiency in both. (correct)

What methodological issue is evident in Smith's (1939) study when comparing children from Iowa and Hawaii?

<p>She used subjective measures of language proficiency without standardized assessments. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did Smith (1939) define 'errors' in the speech of bilingual children from Hawaii?

<p>Any deviation from standard English usage, including dialectal variations (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the research discussed, what is a key finding regarding non-standard dialects of English?

<p>They are linguistically different, but similarly complex to standard dialects. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the French immersion program study by Bruck et al. (1976), what was a notable outcome for the English-speaking children's English language development?

<p>Their English skills remained comparable to a control group of English monolingual children. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did Smith gather her data in the 1930's?

<p>She recorded instances of children talking. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was one of Smith's key conclusions regarding language development in children?

<p>Bilingualism causes retardation in language development. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What advantage did students in the French immersion program demonstrate over English monolingual students, according to the study?

<p>Enhanced creative thinking skills. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the ethnic background of the Iowa children in Smith's study?

<p>Essentially white and monolingually English (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to research, what is a potential limitation for second-language learners in immersion programs regarding productive skills?

<p>They may not achieve native-speaker proficiency in speaking and writing. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes a syllabary from an alphabet?

<p>A syllabary represents syllables with individual signs, while an alphabet represents phonemes or individual sounds. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What factor is MOST crucial for second-language learners to achieve native-speaker proficiency, based on the research?

<p>Extensive interaction with native speakers over time. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does Japanese syntax differ from English syntax, according to the information provided?

<p>Japanese employs a Subject-Object-Verb (SOV) ordering and postposition particles. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the key finding of Bostwick's study on Japanese-English immersion programs?

<p>Immersion students achieved the same level as their monolingual peers in first-language learning and academic achievement, while also acquiring a second language. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did early research generally view the effect of second language learning on a child's intelligence?

<p>It was primarily seen as having a negative effect on intelligence. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What typological difference exists between English and Japanese regarding the placement of modifying clauses relative to the nouns they modify?

<p>English is a right-branching language, while Japanese is a left-branching language. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Given the information provided regarding immersion programs and bilingualism research, which statement BEST encapsulates a balanced perspective on bilingual education?

<p>While bilingual education can foster creativity and strong second-language skills, native-speaker proficiency may require extensive interaction beyond the classroom. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the main conclusion drawn by Goddard (1917) in his study of immigrants at Ellis Island?

<p>A significant portion of adult immigrants were classified as 'feeble-minded' based on word fluency tests. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Based on Goddard's research, what was the approximate word fluency score of 11-year-old American children?

<p>200 words (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the methodological flaw of Goddard's study (1917)?

<p>The study failed to account for cultural and linguistic differences which impacted the performance of immigrants on English language-based intelligence tests. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the immersion group in Bostwick's study learn the elementary school curriculum through?

<p>English (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In Bostwick's study, what tests resulted in the immersion students scoring better?

<p>Tests of English (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What cognitive performance advantage was observed in bilingual children compared to monolinguals by age 4?

<p>Bilinguals showed superior cognitive performance. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the purpose of Ellen Bialystok's study involving the Simon Test?

<p>To assess fluid intelligence among bilinguals and monolinguals. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the conclusion on early bilingualism, what is unlikely to occur?

<p>A permanent negative impact on intelligence. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which learning condition refers to learning two languages at different times?

<p>Sequential learning. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What scenario exemplifies simultaneous learning of languages?

<p>A child learning one language in school and another at home. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the age range of older bilingual participants in Bialystok's study?

<p>60 to 88 years. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which group demonstrated cognitive performance comparable to younger monolinguals in Bialystok's findings?

<p>Older bilinguals. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common misconception regarding bilingualism's effect on intelligence?

<p>It always makes language acquisition harder. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What fundamental structures do all languages share according to the content?

<p>Languages consist of morpheme and phoneme structures among other principles. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes the process of a child learning a second language quickly?

<p>Children's familiarity with fundamental language concepts facilitates the learning of a second language. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the First-Language Strategy as described in the content?

<p>Applying rules and structures from the first language to the second language. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What common errors are made by learners of a second language according to the content?

<p>Errors largely stem from the application of structured language strategies. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a notable characteristic of second-language errors mentioned in the content?

<p>Many errors reflect the learner's incomplete knowledge of the second language. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does a child's experience learning their first language aid in second-language acquisition?

<p>Children can use their understanding of language representation to learn a second language faster. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What error illustrates the influence of first language structure on second language production?

<p>Placing the verb at the end of a sentence in English. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the second-language strategy lack according to the content?

<p>A complete grasp of second language structure. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary strategy that involves checking hypotheses about language accuracy?

<p>Verification (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following strategies involves utilizing knowledge from one’s first or second language to form hypotheses?

<p>Inductive processing (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In a bilingual reading context, which approach involves each parent communicating exclusively in one language?

<p>One Person–One Language Approach (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is discouraged in the reading instruction of a bilingual child, according to recommended practices?

<p>Simultaneous teaching of reading (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When should the teaching of the second language begin in a bilingual home according to the sequential approach?

<p>After the child establishes reading in the first language (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following strategies includes rehearsal and imitation as key components?

<p>Practice (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What burden does simultaneous teaching of reading impose on parents?

<p>Confusion between two writing systems (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key benefit of explicitly teaching strategies to language learners, according to research?

<p>It improves the capacity of learners (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Japanese writing

A complex writing system using kanji and syllabaries.

English immersion program

A program teaching subjects in English to non-native speakers.

Bostwick study

Research comparing English immersion students with Japanese peers.

First-language acquisition

The process of learning one's native language.

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Bilingualism effects

Influence of learning two languages on intelligence and cognition.

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Goddard study

Early research linking bilingualism to intelligence deficiency.

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Negative reports on bilingualism

Early findings suggested negative effects of bilingual education.

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Cognitive functions in bilingualism

Mental abilities such as thinking and creativity affected by language learning.

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Early Bilingualism

Learning a second language at a young age alongside a first language.

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Native Language Development

The process of learning and acquiring one’s first language.

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Negative Effects of Bilingualism

Concerns that bilingualism can slow down language development.

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Smith's 1939 Study

Research comparing English sentences by bilingual and monolingual children.

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Standard vs. Non-standard English

Standard English is the widely accepted form, while non-standard varies by region.

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Pigeon English

A dialect of English prevalent in Hawaii, often referred to in Smith's study.

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Bias in Research

A tendency to favor one outcome over others, affecting study results.

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Later Research Critique

Subsequent studies challenged early negative conclusions about bilingualism.

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Bilingual Advantage

Bilingual children show superior cognitive performance over monolinguals.

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Fluid Intelligence

The ability to solve new problems and adapt to new situations.

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Simon Test

A test assessing focus and task response in bilingual and monolingual people.

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Sequential Learning

Acquiring a second language after the first; often in school.

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Simultaneous Learning

Learning two languages at the same time, typically in early childhood.

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Cognitive Performance Tests

Tests measuring information processing and intellectual abilities.

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Language Acquisition

The process of learning languages, either sequentially or simultaneously.

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Commonality among languages

Common features that all languages share, like morpheme and phoneme structures.

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Morpheme structure

The arrangement of the smallest units of meaning in a word.

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Phoneme structure

The sound units that make up words in a language.

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First-Language Strategy

Using knowledge from the first language when learning a second language.

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Second-Language Strategy

Approaches taken when second-language knowledge is incomplete.

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Systematic errors

Errors that result from applying learned strategies, not random mistakes.

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Interference

When the first language negatively impacts second language acquisition.

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Constituent order

The specific order of words in a sentence that affects meaning.

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Non-standard dialects

Complex forms of English that are linguistically comparable to standard dialects.

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Bilingualism benefits

Bilingual individuals can show enhanced linguistic skills, creativity, and problem-solving compared to monolinguals.

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French immersion program

A program where English-speaking children learn French through full immersion in the language.

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Language exposure

Exposure to native speakers is crucial for achieving native proficiency in a language.

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Syntax differences

Different languages can have varying syntactic structures, like Subject-Object-Verb in Japanese.

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Left vs. right branching

Japanese is left-branching, while English is right-branching in sentence structure.

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Productive skills

Skills in speaking and writing that are not always achieved at native levels by bilingual learners.

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Creativity and academics

Bilingual students often perform better in creativity tests and some academic subjects compared to monolinguals.

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Verification Strategy

Checking if hypotheses about a language are correct.

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Inductive Processing

Creating hypotheses about a second language based on existing knowledge.

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Deductive Reasoning

Using general logic to solve language-related problems.

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Practice in Language Learning

Repeatedly using language through activities like imitation.

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Memorization Techniques

Using mnemonic strategies to store and retrieve language information.

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Monitoring in Learning

Being aware of errors and how messages are received.

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One Person–One Language (1P–1L)

An approach where each parent speaks one language to a child.

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Sequential Reading Instruction

Teaching reading in one language before introducing another.

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Study Notes

Bilingualism, Intelligence, Transfer, and Learning Strategies

  • Bilingualism is a good idea, offering communication with different cultures and increased understanding between nations.
  • Bilingualism also offers personal benefits, enhancing travel experiences and appreciation of artistic expression.
  • However, potential disadvantages of bilingualism in young children include concerns that it may negatively affect the native language development or intellectual development in general.
  • Early criticisms of bilingualism targeted young children learning a second language, particularly in the first half of the 20th century. This was due to methodological biases and isolationist sentiments during that time.
  • More recent studies suggest positive effects on intelligence, with bilingual individuals displaying heightened mental flexibility and abstract thought.
  • Bilingualism can lead to improved mathematical and scientific reasoning.
  • Learning a first language can impact, positively and negatively, second language acquisition.
  • The impact of second language acquisition on native language development depends on the similarity of the languages learned.

Varieties of Bilingualism

  • Bilingualism involves the ability to speak and understand two languages.
  • Varieties of bilingualism exist beyond simple spoken language, including sign languages and those involving written language only.
  • Bilingual fluency may occur in the same modality (different spoken languages) or in different modalities (spoken and written languages).
  • Deaf individuals are bilingual in spoken and sign languages.
  • Some can read a language fluently but not speak it.
  • Learning takes place in different modalities (speech, signs, or writing)

Effects of early bilingualism on first language development

  • Smith's research (1930s) on bilingual children in Hawaii found potentially negative results, suggesting that bilingualism could hinder first language development.
  • However, critique suggests bias in her methodology
  • There are positive effects of early bilingualism on intelligence, supported by research like Peal and Lambert (1962).
  • Positive effects suggest increased mental flexibility and abstract thought.
  • Studies have shown bilingual advantage in multiple areas.

Conclusion regarding the effects of early bilingualism on language and intelligence

  • The likelihood of second language acquisition negatively impacting a child's intelligence is considered unlikely by contemporary research.
  • There may be beneficial effects of early language acquisition
  • Favouring early bilingualism is a common viewpoint in educational settings

Sequential and simultaneous learning situations

  • Sequential bilingual acquisition involves learning one language first, followed by another later on.
  • Simultaneous acquisition involves learning both languages concurrently, often in the home.
  • Strategies such as using one language solely with one parent can facilitate earlier and better development of two languages.

Strategies for second-language production

  • Errors in second language acquisition are often systematic, demonstrating a learner’s strategy for building understanding and proficiency.
  • Learners may utilize knowledge developed from first language, or apply a generalized approach to learning the second language.
  • Strategies are influenced by multiple factors, including the learner’s first language, second language strategies, errors made, and the learning strategy used..

Teaching reading in a bilingual situation at home

  • Teaching two languages sequentially is beneficial for the child.
  • Reading the language most useful and important for the child’s present environment first is generally recommended
  • The lead parent who speaks that language should ideally guide the child's reading development of that first language for initial learning success.
  • The approach of using different parents for each language can make the reading process simpler.

Which language should be read first?

  • The most important language to teach to read first is the one most important for the child’s welfare.
  • Typically, the language most used in the community or at school
  • Using the most relevant language for contextual understanding to start reading first maximizes learning in the early years.

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