Chapter 9: Language Development Flashcards
What is language?
A form of communication (spoken, written, or signed), based on a system of arbitrary symbols.
What property does language have that allows it to produce an endless number of meaningful sentences using a finite set of words and rules?
Infinite Generativity
What is phonology?
The sound system of a language. It includes the sounds used and the ways in which they are combined.
What is morphology?
The units of meaning involved in word formation.
What are bound morphemes?
Units of meaning that are not words on their own, but add meaning to words. (ie. “ed,” “ing,” “s”)
What is syntax?
The ways words are combined to form comprehensible sentences and phrases.
What is semantics?
The meanings of words and sentences.
What is pragmatics?
The appropriate use of language in different contexts.
What are rules of discourse?
Expectations for using language.
What do infants do to communicate and attract attention?
Non-language vocalizations.
When do infants begin to use gestures?
8-12 months.
When do infants begin to understand language?
5-12 months.
When do infants begin to speak?
10-15 months.
When does an infant’s vocalize using two-word utterances?
18-24 months.
What is telegraphic speech?
The use of short, precise words without grammatical markers or connecting words.
How does bilingualism effect language acquisition?
It delays both languages.
What is the whole-language approach to acquisition?
It parallels natural language learning, teaches the child to use context to understand the words and their meanings.
What is the phonics approach to acquisition?
It teaches basic rules for translating written symbols into sounds.
When do children gain the motor skills to learn to write?
Age 3-5
Do adults or children learn languages more quickly?
Adults, but their final threshold is not as high as children’s.
Where is Broca’s area, and what does it do?
Located in the left frontal lobe, it’s involved in language production.
Where is Wernicke’s area, and what does it do?
Located in the left temporal lobe, it’s involved in language comprehension.
How does an adolescent’s understanding of language differ from that of a child?
An adolescent has a better concept of literary techniques like metaphor, satire and irony.
What is the behavioural view of language learning? What is the problem with this view?
That language is acquired through reinforcement, but it does not explain the creation of novel sentences.
