Language Development Flashcards
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
