First Langauge Acquisition Flashcards
Is language innate?
A particular language is not innate (it is acquired), but the basic tools that any given language uses are built in.
Why is language an instinct?
Language is an instinct because:
1) species specificity
2) uniformity throughout human species
3) lack of overt instruction
4) cross linguistic similarities in language acquisition
5) Humans spontaneously create languages
6) independence from other mental abilities
7) sensitive period for learning language
What is meant by species specificity?
The communication systems of other species are no where near as complex as human language. Moreover other species simply can’t learn human language.
What is meant by uniformity throughout human species?
All human languages are remarkably similar in the structure and basic properties. They are all able to form infinite sentences from a finite grammar and lexicon. They are also able to express equally complex ideas. All humans master a human language.
What is meant by a lack of overt instruction?
Language is not something taught to a child. Formal instruction and correction have little or no effect on the acquisition process of language. Moreover all children acquiring a languages do so in similar steps regardless of culture.
What are some example of humans spontaneously creating a language? And how?
Pidgins and Creoles are prime examples of humans spontaneously creating a language. Also the emergence of Nicaraguan sign language goes to prove this as well. This signing system was from rudimental communication system into fully functional language in just to generations.
Because things like this occur language must be an instinct.
How are language and general intelligence told apart?
Cognitive disabilities such as Williams syndrome, broca’s and wernicke’s aphasia and specific language impairment show that it is possible to have language without other cognitive abilities and visa versa.
What is the critical age period?
A term used in biology to refer ta a strictly limited phase in the development of an organism during which a particular competency or behaviour must be squired if it is to be acquired at all.
What is the poverty of the stimulus?
Poverty of the stimulus is when a child acquiring a language is not exposed to enough of their language to be able to acquire it to the level that they do. Yet they still manage.
Is language taught to children?
No. Children can produce utterances that have never been heard before.
