Language Acquisition + Theories Flashcards
Child Directed speech
0-24 months Primary caretakers ( parents) play an active role in the development of their child's language as identified in child- directed speech ( motherese) in child- directed speech, primary caretakers often modify their speech to make it easier for a child to learn language. For example, modifying objects. First words are spoken by 12 months and are usually familiar objects or persons ( holophrases). First sentences are spoken by 18 to 24 months and are usually two word sentences telegraphic speech)
Holophrase
Holophrase
8-12 months
A holophrase is a composite of a one word and nonverbal gesture to express a complete and meaningful though. As toddlers recognize that symbols (words) represent a specific object, desire or event they say one word and or a gestures expression to communicate their thoughts and feelings Holophrase include symbolic gestures and representational gestures. For example, Symbolic gestures are observed when a toddler shakes his head to indicate no when he doesn’t want to eat something or when he blows on food to mean hot. Representational gestures are demonstrated by the infant or toddler when he shows the parent what he desires (holding up a bottle to show the parent he wants more to drink).
Telegraphic speech
Telegraphic speech
2 years
Telegraphic speeches are an early form of speech and can be observed when a toddler selectively omits or simplifies words in a phrase or sentence to communicate his message. This is usually a 2 year olds first two word sentence consisting of just enough words to get the meaning across ( no hot “ meaning the food is too hot to eat.)
Fast mapping
Fast mapping
2-5 years old
As children learn new vocabulary, they begin mapping fist mapping to figure out the meaning of words. Fast mapping is a mental process in which young children are able to use the context of a word or phrase and accurately drive at the word’s meaning. nouns (objects) are easier to map than verbs( actions). For example researchers Varey and Bartlett (1978) showed a group of toddlers two objects (one blue, one beige) the color blue was familiar to the toddlers, but the color beige was not familiar. The toddlers were able to quickly decipher the meaning of beige when the researchers asked the children to bring me the beige one. All of the children were able to differentiate ( fast map) the two objects because of their familiarity with the color blue.
Private speech
Private speech
3years old
Private speech is “talking out loud to oneself with no intention to communicate with others” private speech helps children integrate language and thought. Psychologist Lev Vygotsky suggested that children begin to use pirate speech at the age of 3 to become more competent at language. The use of private speech helps children to self-regulate. Through self-regulation, children organize, guide, and control their behavior. According to Vygotsky, private speech is responsible for all higher levels of intellectual functioning.
Overregularization
Overregularization
4-5 years old
Overregularization of grammatical errors are observed in early childhood( ages 4-5 ) when children misuse regular grammatical patterns past tense or plural words ( noun or verb) in theri speech ( saying ‘foots; instead of ‘feet’ or ‘she singed a song’)
Preproduction
Preproduction
The pre-production stage is a period one second language students begin to internalize the English language students have minimal or no language and comprehension skills. students typically respond with physical gestures such as nodding yes or shaking their head no pointing to an object, drawing a picture, or physically acting out
• Use visual aids pictures graphics media
• Use gestures to communicate
• use simple question prompts
• Assign writing exercises that combine pictures and simple words
• Provide instruction that is sensitive to cultural norms and academic competencies
Early production
Early production
The early production stages a period when students have limited comprehension and language skills that can speak familiar one- or two-word responses (telegraphic speech)
• Use preproduction strategies especially visually picture graphics and media
• used question prompts that require a yes or no either-or answer
• used question prompts that require a familiar one- or two-word response
• Help students expand one- or two-words responses
• Used games and role-playing to help students learn new vocabulary
• Use handouts and worksheets with fill in the blank closed exercises
Speech Emergence
Speech Emergence
During the speech emergence period Students have increased comprehension and language abilities students began to produce simple sentences and phrases at some basic errors in grammar and speech exist. reading comprehension and writing skills are limited
• Youth question prompts that ask students to answer who what where why and how in written assignment
• Youth question prompts that require a written or oral response of at least one sentence
• Ask students to write in a daily journal
• used games and role playing to illustrate oral and text
• Used media technology and the Internet to illustrate examples
• Ask students to problem solve using real world events
Intermediate fluency
Intermediate fluency
the intermediate fluency stage is the period when students have an advanced commands of the English language and comprehension students can buying phrases and sentences and have a good command of oral and written communication
• Used instruction that includes analyzing complex reading writing and speaking assignments
• Apply reading instruction assignments that include the students ability to paraphrase defined compare some trusts summarized described and explain text
• Help students expand language through oral presentations and discussions
• Accidents to write in a daily journal
• Assign reading assignments for a variety of genres from fiction to nonfiction text
• Encourage the use of media technology and the Internet
• Increase students ability to problem solve in reading and writing assignment
Universal language acquisition theory
Universal language acquisition theory
Language acquisition is a theory based upon the formative work of Noam Chomsky which states that language is innate and universally inherited by all humans’ beings. Chomsky suggests that infants are neurologically can ever say right prewired to learn language. For example children intuitively know how to combine a noun with a verb to form grammatically correct phrases. Although Chomsky is one of the most influential linguistic scholars of the modern age other linguistic scholars have equally compelling language acquisition viewpoints.
According to contemporary linguists the acquisition of language developed when children interact with their social environment. For example when children are exposed to the linguistic constructions and patterns of words by hearing people talk new brain pathways are formed neuroplasticity. Hence cognitions behavior and emotions stimulated by environmental changes enhance language ability.
Critical period of language acquisition
Critical period of language acquisition
Linguistic scholars agree that all children experience a critical period when they find it easier to learn verbal skills in their native language. The critical period of language acquisition corresponds with brain development. It begins in infancy and ends in puberty. Research confirms that the first few years of life is the optimal time for the infants to acquire language. If children do not interface with language in early childhood they may demonstrate a limited range of language fluency predominantly with grammar systems.
Vygotsky second language acquisition theory
Vygotsky second language acquisition theory
‘A word devoid of thought is a dead thing and they thought I’m bodied in Word remains a shadow’ lev Vygotsky
Vygotsky theorized that thought development is determined by language. My God she’s here radical perspectives provide a rich foundation for understanding the meaningful interrelationship between thinking processes and language processes. Language is not just an instrument of communicating ones knowledge it is at the center of all learning experiences. Language is a powerful tool that shapes all thoughts and perceptions. Without the language of word thoughts or perceptions would not exist.
Vygotsky’s theory lends insight to understanding second language acquisition. To acquire knowledge of second language a student must think before any new ideas can be formulated. Therefore if a student is learning English as a second language the student must competent in his primary native language before he can think about the concepts rules or conventions of the second language. A solid command of the primary language must be present before each new understanding of the second language can be internalized and mentally unified language and thought each provide a resource for the other.
Krashen’s second language acquisition
Krashen’s second language acquisition
A person who learns English as a second language after learning a primary language language spoken at home is commonly referred to as an English language learner ELL. Although some of the second language instructional strategies for teaching ELL students may follow the same primary learning stages it is important to differentiate primary language acquisition from secondary language acquisition.
Primary language is an unconscious acquisition experience
Secondary language is a conscious learning experience
Linguistic scholar Stephen Krashen hypothesized that primary language acquisition is an unconscious mental process. Intents are not consciously aware of learning how to speak or how to apply the rules of grammar. Children will often repeat words just because it sounds and feels right when the words are formed together. On the other hand when ELL students learning second language they must consciously participate in the learning experience to study the rules conventions and patterns of the second language. Hence primary language acquisition is an implicit unconscious mental process whereas secondary language acquisition isn’t explicit conscious mental processes.
