Child development - Language Flashcards
What does a proficient user of language have knowledge of?
Phonology, semantics, syntax and pragmatics
What is phonology?
Combination rules for meaningful speech e.g
st or sk ✓
sb or sg x
What is semantics?
Expressed meaning of words and sentences
Smallest linguistic units that carry meaning
What is syntax?
Form or structure of a language - combination rules for meaningful sentences
e.g Jim hit John ✓
John Jim hit x
What is pragmatics?
Rules about language in social contexts - what to say and how to say it e.g please and thank you
Describe occurrences in the pre-linguistic period (0-12 months)
first 3-4 weeks: crying
3-5 weeks onwards: cooing
3-4 months: babbling
8-12 months: associate object with name, verbal labels
Describe occurrences in month 18 to 2+ years
18 months - true symbolic representation. i.e substitute an object for a word when communicating
18-24 months - telegraphic speech e.g more read, all gone
2+ years - adding verbs, compound sentences, past tense and logical errors
What occurs during years 3-5?
Interest in rhymes and songs, commentaries during play, pre-sleep monologues - all show emergence of narrative
Language acquisition - What were Skinner and Chomsky’s opposing theories?
Skinner - language is learned (imitation and progressive reinforcement)
Chomsky - innate facility for acquiring language (language acquisition device)
What is motherese
child directed speech
What is Lennebergs hypothesis?
The critical period hypothesis
Ideal window of time to acquire language in a linguistically rich
environment - children before age 12
What is a lexigram?
a symbol that represents a word but is not necessarily indicative of the word by itself
Which individuals will have similar language milestones?
deaf children with deaf parents
Which parts of the brain is involved in speaking a heard word?
Hearing the word:
Primary auditory area to Wernicke’s area
Speaking the word:
Wernicke’s area to Broca’s area to Motor area
Which parts of the brain is involved in speaking a written word?
Reading the word:
Primary visual area to angular gyrus to Wernicke’s area
Speaking the word:
Wernicke’s area to Broca’s area to Motor area
