Study Guide Language Development 1 List and explain the 5 functions of language Influence other peoples behavior a Communicate with others communicate info express feelings wishes desires b c Escape from reality using their imagination and fantasy d Make decisions e Organize their perceptions and thinking control their actions modify emotions 2 For each of the 4 components of language also called 4 faces be able to a Name and define each one b Give examples of each one 1 Phonology rules for which sounds sound combinations and intonations are legitimate Phoneme Phoneme combinations Intonation examples tug u bik 2 Semantics meaning of words and word combinations 3 Grammar Structure of language Morphology rules for manipulating morphemes which are the smallest unites of language with meaning For example making plural negation turning noun to verb Syntax how words are ordered in a sentence For example where to put negation 4 Pragmatics rules for changing language as a function of context For example talking different to a baby 3 Define and give example of a Phoneme Smallest unit of sound Example tu gu du b Morpheme Smallest unit with meaning Example un dog s 4 What is the difference between syntax and morphology What do they have in common Syntax is the part of grammar that prescribes how words may combine into phrases clauses and sentences whereas Morphology is the study of morphemes They have in common the fact that rules for altering root words with morphemes to produce such things as plurals past tenses needs to obey by what the syntax says 5 We discussed 3 different theories of language development the theory in detail How is it similar to and different from the other 2 theories whether it views children as active or passive learners of language a Explain b Explain c What does it view as the role of biology in contributing to language development d What does it view as the role of environment in contributing to language development 1 Traditional Learning Theory uses the principle of reinforcement to account for language development Skinner Adults selectively reinforce the child s babbling sounds that sound like speech Bandura believed children imitate a Major aspects imitation generalization reinforcement shaping b Child is a passive learner c Language is not different than learning anything else We are predisposed to respond to reinforcement d Parents are active and shape language 2 Nativist Theory We are biologically programmed to learn any language regardless of baby s genes We are born with a Language Acquisition Device which is programmed to pick up phonemes words and grammar a Children need exposure to the environment in order to pick up language do not need b Children are not born with knowledge of phonemes words grammar of their genetic to reinforce or provide corrections language c The child plays an Active role 3 Social Interactionist Theory Biologically predisposed to learn any language with the language acquisition device Communication WITH adults about something meaningful to child is crucial participate in social discourse parentese a Environment provides support system communication with adults social discourse b Major aspects Expansion and Recasting c Child plays an active role 6 Scientific Evidence Related to Theories of Language Development a Know and be able to explain each of the research findings presented in class Most are also in text b For each finding be able to explain how it supports and or refutes a particular theory or theories 1 Parents don t hold off reinforcement until kids use good pronunciation or grammar This refutes what theory Traditional learning theory 2 Language impaired kids benefit from modeling of correct sounds words and grammar and holding off reinforcement until child does it correctly This supports what theory Traditional learning only partially 3 Kids learn language with little instruction and some learn language without reinforcement or social discourse This supports what theory This refutes what theory Supports Nativist Refutes Traditional learning and Interactionist 4 Many similarities across different languages suggests biological programming This supports what theory Nativist and Interactionist 5 Novelty in children s speech not heard by adults ex foots braked suggesting kids actively trying to apply rules This supports what theory This refutes what theory Supports Nativist and Interactionist Refutes Traditional learning which stresses imitation If not exposed to consistent grammar rules kids develop own grammar This supports what theory Nativist and Interactionist If parents had to reinforce each aspect of speech should take years longer to learn This refutes what theory Traditional learning theory 6 7 8 Social discourse behaviors facilitate language development This supports what theory Interactionist 9 After 1 year babies lose ability to discriminate sounds not in their own language by become specialist suggest critical period for language development This supports what theory Nativist and Interactionist 10 Nicaragua school for deaf didn t teach sign language Kids developed own sign language similar to Creole Adults didn t do this Demonstrates Critical period for language and development and kids look for consistent language rules This supports what theory Nativist and Interactionist Rules of pragmatics vary across cultures This refutes what theory This could support what theory Refutes Pure nativist view Supports Interactionist or Traditional Learning 11 12 Quality and quantity of language in home related to how fast child learns language This could support what theory Could be explained by all three 7 Which is the most widely accepted theory of language development Explain why it is the most accepted Lots of evidence for LAD Lots of evidence for role of social discourse Lots of evidence refutes traditional learning 8 Language Milestones a Babbling 1 What is babbling Strings of consonant vowels for any language 2 By what age do most babies begin to babble regularly About 6 months 3 By what age do most babies narrow their babbling to include only the phonemes of the languages to which they are exposed About 8 9 months 4 Do deaf babies babble in sounds What does your answer suggest regarding the cause of babbling Yes they babble similarly like hearing babies this suggests that it derives internally consistent with nativist interactonist b First words 1 By what age do most babies use their first words About a year old 10 15
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