Language and Education Flashcards
What is language?
- a form of communication based on a system of symbols
- consists of the words used by a community and the rules for varying and combining them
Phonology
rules regarding how sounds are perceived as different and which sound sequences may occur
Phoneme
the smallest unit of sound in a language
Morphology
-rules that govern the makeup of words
Morpheme
the smallest unit of sound that conveys a specific meaning
Syntax
rules that govern the way words are combined to form acceptable phrases and sentences
Semantics
rules that govern the meaning of words and sentences
Pragmatics
rules that govern the appropriate use of language in context
Infancy: recognised language sounds
Newborns are sensitive to the sounds, rhythm and intonation of language and can recognise the language their caregivers speak.
recognised language sounds: 6-12 months
change from universal linguist to language specific listener
recognised language sounds: 8 months
begin to detect word boundaries
recognised language sounds: 8-12 months
comprehension of words appear
Producing language: birth
crying
Producing language: 1-2 months
cooing
Producing language: 6 months
babbling
Producing language: 8-12 months
gestures
when are first words spoken?
10-15 months
Overextension
the tendency to apply a word too broadly
Underextension
the tendency to apply a word too narrowly
Telegraphic speech
18-24 months: two-word statements appear
Producing speech: early childhood
- transition from telegraphic speech to complex sentences
- increased understanding of language’s rule systems
Overregularization of morphological rules
shows that preschoolers understand the rules of grammar and are applying them (i putted)
Fast mapping
the term used for the hypothesized mental process whereby a new concept is learned (or a new hypothesis formed) based only on a single exposure to a given unit of information.
Producing speech: middle childhood
- Further advances in vocabulary and grammar
- Realise that the surface content of speech (what is said) and what is meant are not necessarily the same
Producing speech: adolescence
- Increasingly sophisticated understanding of metaphor, satire, and complex literary works
- Often adopt a dialect when speaking with peers
Producing speech: adulthood
- Vocabulary often continues increasing
- Some language skills may decline slightly in late adulthood
The Learning Theory Explanation
Language acquisition depends on learning through imitation and operant conditioning (reinforcement).
The Nativist Explanation
Chomsky: children are biologically “prewired” with a language acquisition device that enables them to detect the features and rules of language.
The Interactionist View
Children are biologically prepared to learn language, but in order to do so they must actively participate in human interaction
What is important in the environment to promote language development?
- live language exposure
- interaction
- focused on the child’s interests
How can caregivers enhance language development?
- speak to child often
- child-directed speech
- expanding
- labelling
What is education?
deliberate teaching or preparation of the young for the responsibilities of life
Schooling has little effect on concrete operations, but improves
- IQ
- life opportunities
Factors influencing school achievement
- School characteristics
- Child characteristics
- Parenting practices
Child characteristics that influence school achievement
- Learning disabilities
- Malnutrition, stunting, FAS
- Beliefs about own abilities (achievement motivation):
- -Mastery orientation, or
- -Learned helplessness orientation
Parenting practices that influence school achievement
Children whose parents encourage and support their academic learning without being over-controlling are likely to enjoy new challenges and feel confident that they can handle them.
