Ch. 9 Definitions

Question 1

Language

Answer 1

Form of communication based on system of symbols

Question 2

Infinite generativity

Answer 2

Ability to produce and comprehend endless number of meaningful sentences using finite set of words and rules

Question 3

Phonology

Answer 3

Sound system of a language, including sounds and combinations

Question 4

Morphology

Answer 4

Units of meaning involved in word formation

Question 5

Syntax

Answer 5

The ways words are combined to form acceptable phrases and sentences

Question 6

Semantics

Answer 6

Meanings of words and sentences

Question 7

Pragmatics

Answer 7

Appropriate use of language in different contexts

Question 8

Telegraphic speech

Answer 8

Use of short, precise words without grammatical markers

Question 9

Fast mapping

Answer 9

A process that helps explain how young children learn the connection between a word and its referent so quickly

Question 10

Metalinguistic awareness

Answer 10

Knowledge about language

Question 11

Whole-language approach

Answer 11

Teaching approach built on the idea that reading instruction should parallel children’s natural language learning (reading materials should be whole and meaningful)

Question 12

Phonics approach

Answer 12

Teaching approach built on the idea that reading instruction should teach basic rules for translating written symbols into sounds

Question 13

Metaphor

Answer 13

Implied comparison between two unlike things

Question 14

Satire

Answer 14

The use of irony, derision, or wit to expose folly or wickedness

Question 15

Dialect

Answer 15

Variety of language that is distinguished by its vocabulary, grammar, or pronunciation

Question 16

Broca’s area

Answer 16

Area of the brain’s left frontal lobe involved in producing words

Question 17

Wernicke’s area

Answer 17

Area of the brain’s left hemisphere that is involved in language comprehension

Question 18

Aphasia

Answer 18

Loss or important of language processing resulting from damage to Broca’s area or Wernicke’s area

Question 19

Language acquisition device (LAD)

Answer 19

Chomsky’s term that describes a biological endowment that enables the child to detect certain features and rules of language, including phonology, syntax, and semantics

Question 20

Child-directed speech

Answer 20

Language spoken in a higher pitch than normal, with simple words and sentences

Question 21

Recasting

Answer 21

An adult’s grammatical rephrasing of a child’s statement that might lack the appropriate morphology/other errors

Question 22

Expanding

Answer 22

Adding information to the child’s incomplete utterance

Question 23

Labeling

Answer 23

Naming objects that children seem interested in