Language Acquisition Stages and Theories

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Questions and Answers

What is acculturation?

The exchange of ideas and values between two cultures (correct)

The process of adopting a dominant culture's practices and values

The development of a new culture from blending two distinct cultures

The complete absorption of a minority group into a dominant culture

What does CDS stand for in the context of language acquisition?

Culturally Diversified Speech

Common Dialect Speech

Child-Directed Speech (correct)

Children's Discussion Skills

How does assimilation differ from acculturation?

Acculturation happens faster than assimilation.

Assimilation means losing one's cultural identity; acculturation does not. (correct)

Assimilation involves cultural exchange while acculturation does not.

Assimilation is a positive experience while acculturation is negative.

What is referred to as the most basic form of social interaction?

Exchange Signup and view all the answers

What does the nativization model by Roger Andersen emphasize?

The role of L1 knowledge in shaping L2 acquisition Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of nativization in language learning?

Seeking an alignment of input with existing L1 knowledge Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of language does CDS change to support child understanding?

Speech speed and intonation Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of cooperation as defined in social interaction?

Achievement of a common goal Signup and view all the answers

What should not be taught to infants to promote proper language development?

Incorrect grammar Signup and view all the answers

At what age does the Telegraphic Stage typically occur?

24-30 months Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of speech used by caregivers during the Telegraphic Stage?

Exaggerated intonation Signup and view all the answers

What grammatical concept do children start to incorporate in the Later multiword Stage?

Morphemes Signup and view all the answers

According to the content, which of the following is a myth about second language acquisition?

Younger children are more skilled at acquiring languages Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of negative reinforcement in language development?

Teaching mistakes to avoid Signup and view all the answers

What does Noam Chomsky refer to as the innate ability to acquire language in children?

Language acquisition device Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about the Later multiword Stage is true?

Children can create increasingly complex sentences. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main premise of the Behavioural Theory of language acquisition?

Language is a product of social interactions and environment. Signup and view all the answers

Who proposed the concept of the language acquisition device (LAD)?

Noam Chomsky Signup and view all the answers

How does operant conditioning relate to language acquisition according to Skinner?

Rewards and punishments shape children's language use. Signup and view all the answers

What evidence does Chomsky provide to support the biological basis of language acquisition?

The ability of children to learn grammar rules spontaneously. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'universal grammar' refer to according to Chomsky?

The shared basic grammar rules across all human languages. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes Skinner's perspective on how children learn language?

Children learn by imitating caregivers and are reinforced for correct usage. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key criticism of the Behavioural Theory regarding language acquisition?

It does not adequately explain children's spontaneous speech or errors. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement reflects Skinner's view on language development in humans?

Children can develop language even in the absence of formal education. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of language acquisition does the Multilingualism and Cultural Competence model emphasize?

Exploring language acquisition in diverse contexts Signup and view all the answers

What criticism is associated with the Multilingualism and Cultural Competence model?

It may overlook cognitive processes in language learning. Signup and view all the answers

Which hemisphere of the brain is primarily associated with creative language use according to neurofunctional theory?

Left hemisphere Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic function of the right hemisphere in language processing?

Holistic processing of language Signup and view all the answers

What challenge is noted regarding the operationalization of the Multilingualism and Cultural Competence model?

It can be abstract and difficult to empirically operationalize. Signup and view all the answers

What term describes situations where individuals or groups compete to win a reward?

Competition Signup and view all the answers

What is described as a clash between personal interests of individuals or groups?

Conflict Signup and view all the answers

Which model emphasizes the role of context and social dynamics in language acquisition?

Discourse Theory Signup and view all the answers

In the context of language acquisition, what does denativization refer to?

Adjusting personal language systems Signup and view all the answers

According to Stephen Krashen's Monitor Model, what are the two processes of language learning?

Learning and Acquisition Signup and view all the answers

What is the key concept of accommodation in language learning?

A balance between conflict and cooperation Signup and view all the answers

What does acculturation involve in the context of language learning?

Adapting to or borrowing from other cultures Signup and view all the answers

What role does the 'monitor' play in Krashen's model of language learning?

It relies on subconscious learning Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Telegraphic Stage (24-30 months)

Children begin using longer phrases with more than two elements, showing improved sentence structure.
While grammar isn't perfect, sentences convey meaning and complexity.
Children understand basic two-part instructions.
Avoid "baby talk" as it may hinder proper grammatical development.
Caregivers significantly influence language acquisition.
Effective caregiver speech includes questions, exaggerated intonation, loudness, and pauses.

Later Multiword Stage (30+ months)

Children construct increasingly complex sentences for better communication.
They begin using morphemes correctly (e.g., "dogs" instead of "dog").

Myths on Second Language Acquisition (SLA)

Adults don't necessarily learn second languages faster or easier than children.
Immersion time doesn't guarantee faster acquisition.
Fluency doesn't automatically equal acquisition.

Theories of Language Acquisition

Behavioral Theory

Language learning is shaped by environmental factors and operant conditioning (rewards and punishments).
Children imitate caregivers and refine language based on feedback.
Positive reinforcement encourages correct language use, while negative reinforcement teaches error correction.

Nativist Theory (Chomsky)

Humans possess an innate language acquisition device (LAD) enabling language acquisition.
LAD is a biological mechanism facilitating grammar understanding.
Children independently construct language, suggesting a biological basis for acquisition.
LAD includes universal grammar, shared rules across languages.

Acculturation Model (Schumann)

Second language acquisition is influenced by social interaction and cultural immersion.
Acculturation (cultural exchange) and assimilation (adopting dominant culture) affect language learning.

Nativization Model (Andersen)

Language acquisition involves nativization (fitting input to existing knowledge) and denativization (adapting interlanguage to input).
Nativization simplifies learning, while denativization refines it.

Discourse Theory

Considers context, power dynamics, and social interaction in language acquisition.
Highlights multilingualism and cultural competence.
Can be challenging to apply empirically.

Multilingualism and Cultural Competence Model (Ellis)

Language use varies across contexts.
Interlanguage reflects this variability.

Neurofunctional Theory

Investigates brain regions involved in language acquisition (left and right hemispheres).
Left hemisphere: creative language, syntax, and semantics.
Right hemisphere: formulaic speech, patterned practice.

Exchange (basic interaction)
Cooperation (shared goals)
Competition (rivalry)
Conflict (clashes of interests)
Accommodation (middle ground between conflict and cooperation)

Child-Directed Speech (CDS)

Also known as "baby talk," it simplifies language for children's understanding.
Includes slower speech, higher pitch, exaggerated intonation, and pauses.
Bruner believed CDS aids language development.

Monitor Model (Krashen)

Language acquisition happens through learning (formal) and acquisition (informal).
An internal "monitor" (developed through learning) edits language production.

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Description

Explore the key stages of language acquisition in children, from the telegraphic stage to the later multiword stage. Learn about the myths surrounding second language acquisition and the different theories that explain how language is learned. This quiz delves into the aspects of grammar development and the role of caregivers.