Brain & Language 2

Question 1

What is universal grammar?

Answer 1

An innate biological component specialized for language

Question 2

What is imprinting?

Answer 2

Innate ability, develops naturally within a time frame

Question 3

What is the ‘Critical Period Hypothesis’ in language?

Answer 3

There is a limited developmental time period during which it is possible to acquire a language to native-like levels

Question 4

Describe Specific Language Impairment (SLI)

Answer 4

affects about 7-8% of children; very specific types of difficulty with language; children often omit function morphemes and grammatical words/determiners like ‘of, the, is, a, etc.); affects pluralization, past/present/future tenses; normal IQ’s

Question 5

What are some qualities of Williams Syndrome?

Answer 5

Results in intact language, but low general intelligence; genetic; limited spacial and motor skills; very social and friendly; average or high vocabulary level; often loves music

Question 6

_______ play a large role in the way children learn language

Answer 6

Parents (by labeling objects or people; introduce customs)