Language Acquisition Overview 11
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Questions and Answers

Which of these is NOT a question the logical approach to language acquisition would typically ask?

  • What are the dominant languages spoken in a given region? (correct)
  • What can people say?
  • How are patterns matched or missed in children's speech?
  • How does this vary between languages?

    • What is the primary focus of the logical approach to language acquisition?

  • Analyzing the process of language development in children.
  • Understanding the social context in which language is used.
  • Exploring the relationship between language and thought.
  • Investigating the adult language as the final stage of acquisition. (correct)

    • The logical approach to language acquisition is often described as being 'nature-based'. What does this refer to?

  • Language learning occurs through observation and imitation.
  • Language acquisition is primarily determined by innate biological factors. (correct)
  • The environment plays a crucial role in language acquisition.
  • Language acquisition is a process of trial and error.

    • Which of the following terms is NOT a feature commonly discussed in the context of first language acquisition?

    <p>Second Language Acquisition (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the term 'MLU' stand for in the context of language acquisition?

    <p>Mean Length of Utterance (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the term used to describe the innate capacity for language acquisition in the logical approach?

    <p>Language Acquisition Device (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of these is NOT a characteristic of the logical approach to language acquisition?

    <p>Examination of language across different cultures and communities (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a theoretical approach to language acquisition?

    <p>Nature vs. Nurture Debate (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which term is used to describe a child's tendency to apply a word to a wider range of objects than it actually refers to?

    <p>Overextension (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a technique used in language acquisition research to study a child's understanding of grammatical rules?

    <p>Wug Test (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main focus of language acquisition research?

    <p>Understanding how all aspects of language are acquired, spanning from pronunciation to complex grammatical structures. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT considered a part of the language acquisition process?

    <p>Developing expert-level skills in a specific language field, like writing poetry. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the meaning of the term 'atypical pathways of acquisition' in the context of language acquisition?

    <p>All of the above. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is an example of an 'implied meaning' that can be interpreted during language acquisition?

    <p>&quot;It's raining cats and dogs.&quot; (meaning it's raining heavily) (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the difference between "first language acquisition" and "second language acquisition"?

    <p>All of the above. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the significance of considering "culturally recognized structures" in language acquisition?

    <p>All of the above. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of these is an example of a complex grammatical structure?

    <p>The dog, who was very happy, wagged his tail. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which option is an example of a "typical pathway of acquisition"?

    <p>A child learning to speak fluently in their native language. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the term used to describe the language that caregivers use when interacting with babies and young children?

    <p>Child-directed speech (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main argument of the Critical Period Hypothesis regarding language acquisition?

    <p>Language learning is most effective during a specific period in early childhood. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of child-directed speech (CDS)?

    <p>Complex vocabulary (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a 'recast' in the context of language acquisition?

    <p>A correction of the child's grammatical errors. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is an example of a 'recast'?

    <p>Child: 'I slood down the slide.' Adult: 'You slid down the slide!' (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the process of breaking down larger language structures into smaller units, like words and phrases, called?

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

    According to the content, which of the following is a piece of evidence supporting the Critical Period Hypothesis?

    <p>Individuals who experience brain damage after puberty have a harder time recovering language skills than those who experience it earlier in life. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main focus of the 'first year' stage in the acquisition of phonology?

    <p>Mastering the sounds and intonation of the language. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the typical age range for the 'first year' stage in the acquisition of phonology?

    <p>0;0-0;3 (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the '0;7-0;9' stage in the acquisition of phonology indicate?

    <p>An increase in the variety of sounds and syllables produced. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A child who calls all furry animals 'dog' is demonstrating what aspect of language development?

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

    What is the approximate age range during which children typically begin to use two- and three-word utterances?

    <p>1;6–2;0 (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary reason for overextension in children's vocabulary?

    <p>Shape, function, or other semantic relations (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the approximate productive vocabulary size of a child at the age of 2;0–3;0?

    <p>Up to 500 words (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a factor influencing the size of children's productive vocabulary?

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

    Which of these disciplines is NOT directly mentioned as contributing to the interdisciplinary field of language acquisition?

    <p>Philosophy (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary focus of the Observational approach in language acquisition?

    <p>Understanding how children learn language through social interactions (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT explicitly mentioned as a characteristic of the Observational approach?

    <p>Analysis of the grammatical rules that children learn (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the key difference between First Language Acquisition (FLA) and Second Language Acquisition (SLA)?

    <p>FLA focuses on the acquisition of native languages, while SLA involves learning additional languages (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of FLA?

    <p>Requires formal instruction and conscious effort (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The term "sociopragmatics" as used in the text refers to:

    <p>The study of social interactions and how they influence language development (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes the "logical approach" to language acquisition?

    <p>It focuses on analyzing the cognitive processes involved in learning language (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes the Observational approach's view of language acquisition?

    <p>Children actively construct their own understanding of language through social interaction (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Child-directed speech

    Speech characterized by a higher pitch and exaggerated intonation used when speaking to children.

    Language Acquisition Device

    A hypothetical brain mechanism that enables humans to acquire language naturally.

    MLU (mean length of utterance)

    A measurement of language development that calculates the average number of morphemes in a sample of speech.

    Generativist approach

    A theory suggesting that humans have an innate ability to generate language based on universal grammar.

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    Observational approach

    A method of studying language acquisition by watching and recording children’s language use in natural settings.

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    Lexicography

    The study and compilation of dictionaries.

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    Evolution of dictionaries

    The historical development from glossaries to modern dictionaries.

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    Macrostructure

    The overall organization of a dictionary, including main entries and layout.

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    Microstructure

    The detailed information in a dictionary entry, such as definitions and examples.

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    Learner’s dictionaries

    Dictionaries specifically designed to help language learners.

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    Language acquisition

    The process of learning a language, including first and second languages.

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    Phonology acquisition

    The process of learning the sound system of a language.

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    Grammar acquisition

    The process of learning the rules and structure of a language.

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    Logical Approach to Language Acquisition

    A perspective focusing on understanding language from the endpoint rather than the process, emphasizing adult language as the goal.

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    Language Acquisition Device (LAD)

    An innate capacity that allows children to acquire any language, proposed by Noam Chomsky.

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    Universal Grammar

    The innate knowledge of language structure that all humans share, according to the generativist approach.

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    Observational and Logical Approach

    A combination method in language acquisition research, where researchers adopt elements from both logical and observational perspectives.

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    Productive vocabulary size

    The number of words a child can actively use in speech at different ages.

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    Early speech stage (0;6–1;0)

    Children may say a small number of different words as they begin to speak.

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    Expanding vocabulary (1;6–2;0)

    Children start forming two- and three-word utterances, using around 50 words.

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    Overextension

    When children apply a word too broadly, like calling all swimming birds 'ducks'.

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    Underextension

    When a child uses a word too narrowly, like 'sooze' only for their own shoes.

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    First language acquisition (FLA)

    The unconscious learning of one's native language during early childhood.

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    Second language acquisition (SLA)

    Learning a language after the first language has been established.

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    Logical approach

    A method of understanding language acquisition based on theoretical reasoning.

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    Sociopragmatics

    Understanding how context affects language interpretation and meaning.

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    Nurture-based approach

    Focuses on the environmental factors influencing language acquisition.

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    Cognitive science

    The interdisciplinary study of mind and its processes, including language.

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    Input

    The language children hear, especially directed by carers.

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    Child-Directed Speech (CDS)

    Language used by adults in a modified way to engage babies.

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    Recasts

    Adult rephrasing of a child’s incorrect language into the correct form.

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    Expansions

    Elaborations added to a child's speech to enhance language learning.

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    Segmentation

    The ability to break down speech into smaller, understandable parts.

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    Critical Period Hypothesis

    The theory that language acquisition is linked to brain development during childhood.

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    Full recovery of language skills

    Rarer ability to regain language ability after brain damage post-puberty.

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    First year of phonology

    Stages of sound development in infants, from crying to babbling.

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    Second year milestones

    By age two, children begin combining words and improving intonation.

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    Routinised input

    Common phrases used repetitively to help children learn language.

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    Study Notes

    Language Acquisition (1)

    • Language acquisition is the process of learning a language.
    • It includes both first and second language acquisition.
    • Researchers have different approaches (observational and logical) to understanding this complex process
    • Language acquisition is a highly interdisciplinary field drawing on anthropology, cognitive science, education, neuroscience, and psychology.
    • The first language acquisition (FLA) is the learning of one's native language during the early childhood years , typically between 6 and 7 years
    • Second language acquisition (SLA) is the learning of a language after the first language (or 'mother tongue') acquisition.

    Recap

    • Lexicography is the compilation and study of dictionaries.
    • Dictionaries have evolved from glossaries in ancient times to semantic fields and alphabetical dictionaries in the Middle Ages.
    • Key dictionaries include Johnson, Merriam-Webster, and OED.
    • Dictionaries are designed with macrostructure and microstructure.
    • Learner's dictionaries cater to the specific needs of learners with limited vocabulary.
    • Usage notes are also included for learners to understand and use the dictionary effectively

    Course Evaluation

    • Complete the course evaluation on the provided URL
    • Use the QR code to easily access the evaluation link.

    Today's Lecture

    • The lecture covers the stages of language acquisition:
      • Introduction
      • Approaches to language acquisition
      • Language acquisition pathways
      • Acquisition of phonology
      • Acquisition of vocabulary
      • Acquisition of grammar

    Introduction - Definitions

    • Language acquisition is concerned with the acquisition of both first and second languages by monolingual and bilingual speakers, and those with atypical acquisition paths.
    • Language acquisition research looks at how all aspects of language are learned.
    • These aspects range from sound segments to increasingly complex grammatical structures, implied meanings, and narrative construction.

    Approaches to Language Acquisition

    • Observational approach focuses on how children interpret and construct language through interaction, including inference, and circumstance-based language use.
    • Social Constructionist and Emergentist research is based on observation.
    • Concerns with emerging models of language constructed by children.
    • Logical approach focuses on the endpoint of language acquisition (adult language) and assumes innate capacity for language acquisition.
    • Language Acquisition Device (LAD) is proposed
    • Generativist approach linked the proposal of Universal Grammar

    The Observational Approach

    • Focused on how children learn to interpret language around them, going beyond just sound, words, and grammar.
    • Concerns include inference, circumstance-based language, and sociopragmatics.
    • Research typically asks how language acquisition works, what the order of acquisition is, and identifies specific variants.
    • Interested in the speaker's intentions and the success of various strategies.

    The Logical Approach

    • Aims to understand language acquisition from the perspective of an adult.
    • Focuses on the endpoint of acquisition.
    • Assumes children are born with an innate capacity to acquire any language(LAD).
    • Linked to a set of rules for language and linguistic categories (Universal Grammar).

    The Observational and Logical Approach

    • Researchers frequently lean towards one approach or the other.
    • An agreement exists acknowledging both nature and nurture play diverse roles in language acquisition.
    • Language only develops during social interaction.
    • Genetic makeup of the brain and body facilitate language development.

    Language Acquisition Pathways

    • Closely linked to brain development.
    • At birth, the human brain is around 25% of adult size and grows to 80% by childhood.
    • The brain creates new, more complex neural connections.
    • Language acquisition is dynamic, with each new learning experience altering the contextual framework.
    • Age (e.g., 1;7 = 1 year and 7 months) is a critical factor in language acquisition.
    • A typically observed analytical pathway includes developing sound, words, and complex word combinations.

    Language Acquisition Pathways - Variance

    • Language development differs between children.
    • Some develop their first words between ~1;1 and ~2;4.
    • Speed of development does not reflect innate potential in language learning.
    • Children often reproduce whole chunks of utterances instead of individual words.
    • This characteristic can be hard to study.
    • How children create new phrases and words can be challenging but important to study

    Language Acquisition Pathways - Input

    • Input refers to the language heard by babies and children.
    • Child-directed speech (CDS) is important.
    • Nativists believe CDS provides insufficient linguistic support during learning
    • Adults adjust their language when speaking to children.

    Language Acquisition Pathways - Recasts and Expansions

    • Adults use recasts to correct grammatical errors.
    • Recasts involve correcting the grammatical form of a child's utterance while maintaining the meaning.
    • Children's utterances are often followed by elaborations called expansions.

    Language Acquisition Pathways - Segmentation

    • Babies and young children need to segment words and phrases from larger speech structures.
    • Segments often include longer and repetitive strings.
    • Children use knowledge and skills to break down all types of input into smaller parts.
    • Different parts are recombined into creative utterances

    Language Acquisition Pathways - Critical Period Hypothesis

    • The critical period for language acquisition happens during childhood (2-13 years).
    • Full recovery of language skills is usually less likely after puberty if there's brain damage.
    • Socially isolated individuals often have difficulty acquiring language smoothly.
    • Children who reach puberty lacking fluent language skills often only develop basic language abilities, regardless of the level of external input received later in life.
    • Second language learners after childhood rarely sound like native speakers

    Acquisition of Phonology

    • Year 1: • Crying and cooing • Smiles in response to sounds • Vowel-like sounds (usually [ə]) • Babbling • Varied sounds and syllables • First words (0;10 to 1;0)

    • Year 2:

    • Speech features in the second year. • Extreme reduction of consonant clusters • Simplification of /tf/ to plosives • Intonation patterns • Retraction of /s/ • Reduction in /bl-/ clusters & deletion of /v/

    • Year 3: • Add more consonants /p/, /n/, /j/, /z/, /f/. • Consonant clusters, but in inconsistent ways compared to adult speech. • Vowel system is reasonably complete by ~3;0. • Increasingly complex syllable structures • Monosyllabic words of various syllable types. • Polysyllabic words show greater complexity.

    • 3;0+: • Liquids acquisition may happen after 5;0. • Lisps are common in speech up to ~7;0 but consonant inventory is acquired. • Awareness of segments of speech (rhyme, syllables). • Understanding of various phonological aspects (isolation, alliteration, etc.) and letter recognition start to emerge

    Acquisition of Phonology - 'Fis Phenomenon'

    • Children, prior to producing sounds, exhibit a lag in their ability to perceive spoken sound differences.

    Acquisition of Vocabulary

    • Recognition of words and phrases from early ages. (around 6 months)
    • Turning heads in response to names.
    • Pointing to body parts by 1;6

    Acquisition of Vocabulary - Ages and Stages

    • Age ranges and different vocabulary development timelines.
    • Typical vocabulary size development, ranging from very basic vocabulary items up to ~500 words by up to 3 years of age

    Acquisition of Vocabulary - Extensions

    • Overextension of a word typically happens when the child's vocabulary is limited
    • Overextension relies on various concepts, like shape, function, or other kinds of semantic relations.
    • Underextension is the opposite case, where a word has too narrow a definition.

    Acquisition of Grammar

    • Typical order of acquiring English grammatical forms:
      • Present progressive
      • Prepositions
      • Plural inflection
      • Irregular past tense verb forms
      • Possessive inflection
      • Copular verbs
      • Articles
      • Regular past tense inflection
      • Regular present tense inflection
      • Irregular present tense forms

    Acquisition of Grammar - Analogy/Wug

    • Children apply previously acquired rules to new word forms (analogical learning).
    • Children are able to generalise grammatical rules as shown by the examples of plural formation in example words (wug).
    • Children use previously acquired language as a template for applying rules when encountering new words or phrases.

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    Related Documents

    Language Acquisition (1) Lecture Notes - PDF

    Description

    This quiz explores the fundamentals of language acquisition, covering both first and second language learning processes. It highlights various interdisciplinary approaches used in research, including insights from anthropology, cognitive science, and education. Additionally, it touches on the evolution of dictionaries and their significance in language studies.

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