Intro to Language Acquisition

Question 1

Name the theories of children acquiring language (think A.C.S.)

Answer 1

1. Active construction of a Grammar (creating rules helps to dictate how to speak)
2. Connectionist (Attaching language to neural connections, especially through imagery)
3. Social Interaction (social experiences –> learning language)

Question 2

How many concepts are attached to Lennenberg’s biologically controlled behaviours

Answer 2

6

Question 3

Which of the following is a Lennenberg biologically controlled behaviour statement :
1. The implementation of a critical period for acquiring certain behaviour
2. The idea that siblings are most likely to all think in the same pattern (biological)
3. That the appearance of certain behaviour is a conscious decision
4. DIRECT teaching and heavy practice is very important.

Answer 3

1. The implementation of a critical period for acquiring certain behaviour

Question 4

______ babbling refers to the language of sequences of different syllables (+ provide an e.g.)

Answer 4

Variegated, madaba

Question 5

______ babbling refers to the language where a single CV is repeated

Answer 5

Canonical, ma

Question 6

Describe a critical window

Answer 6

A critical window refers to a period of time between birth and adolescence when learning appears to be ‘effortless’

Question 7

Provide an example of a ‘critical window’ (hint : NICotine)

Answer 7

Nicaraguan Signed Language

Question 8

A _____ refers to a system that isn’t a language but represents gestures of communication

Answer 8

homesign

Question 9

Provide 2 examples for methods for studying language development in children

Answer 9

1. HAS - High amplitude sucking
2. Head-turn preference procedure

Question 10

Describe 2 ways that adults talk to infants/children (hint : Good MORning)

Answer 10

Repetition and more dynamic pitch

Question 11

Describe the 3 types of multilingualism (hint : the sss)

Answer 11

1. Simultaneous bil.
2. Sequential bil.
3. Second-language bil.

Question 12

A ____ is when one language AFFECTS the performance of another.

Answer 12

transfer