Language Development Flashcards
(6 cards)
Explain the idea of the “language acquisition device”
An innate biological ability of humans to acquire and develop language
describe “motherese” and why it is used
Adult-child speech that is simplified unlike adult-adult speech. Supports interactionist perspective.
Language learning = LAD+motherese.
motherese is used to help child understand language. adult-adult speech is too complex and complicated for child to understand
describe the process of language development in pre-school years
age variability in language development. first words said between month 8- month 18.
-Babbling stage - nature provides sound, nurture moulds sounds. home language picked up in babbling at month 10. Adult need to show interest in babbling
-one word stage
start to understand that words convey meaning
first words are usually one syllable
- Two word stage
- '’telegraph speech’’
- children can now express needs
-3-4 years
rapid progress to full sentence
5+ years
Language used to express thoughts + emotions
speech is important for learning
discuss implications for doctor-child communication
doctor-child communication will be affected by
- the child’s language capacity
- the doctors communication skills
- the interaction between the doctor and the child (and other parties e.g parents)
List the perspectives of language development
- Behaviourist perspective - operant conditioning
- Nativist perspective (Chomsky) - LAD. Once babies detect which type of language is used in their environment, the appropriate grammar with develop
Nim Chimpsky by chompsky
- Interactionist perspective - interaction between nature and nurture. constant desire to learn and reinforcement of efforts needed.
What things could be done to improve doctor-child communication?
- Adopt adult-child speech/motherese
- Talk slow
- Repetition
- Visual cues
- Awareness of body language + use. smile, nod etc
