Language Development (W6, L2)

Question 1

When does speech perception begin?

Answer 1

In the womb

Infants can hear sounds and begin to process language before birth.

Question 2

How do newborns discriminate between sounds like ‘ba’ and ‘pa’?

Answer 2

Through dummy sucking speed

Experiments show that the rate of sucking changes based on sound discrimination.

Question 3

What do two-day-old infants prefer to hear?

Answer 3

Their own language over a foreign language

Evidence from preferential sucking paradigms indicates this preference.

Question 4

What is the ‘conditional head turn procedure’ used to study in infants?

Answer 4

Infants’ ability to hear minor changes in sound pronunciation

This method assesses auditory discrimination in infants.

Question 5

At what age do English babies start to drop in their ability to hear changes in sounds?

Answer 5

12 months

Prior to this age, they can discriminate similar sounds like Hindi babies.

Question 6

What does the narrowing of language learning in infants suggest?

Answer 6

Babies are universal language learners but become specialized based on exposure

This reflects the importance of linguistic environment.

Question 7

At what age can infants segment the speech stream into words?

Answer 7

7.5 months

Example: ‘lookattheostrich’ becomes ‘look at the ostrich.’

Question 8

What are the foundations of speech production established in infancy?

Answer 8

Airflow and tongue/mouth effects on sounds

Infants begin cooing at 6-8 weeks and babbling at 4-6 months.

Question 9

What is the purpose of babbling in infants?

Answer 9

Creates a feedback loop for reinforcement

This encourages infants to continue babbling.

Question 10

By 10 months, how many words do babies understand?

Answer 10

50 words

This marks a significant milestone in vocabulary comprehension.

Question 11

What milestone do babies typically reach by 12 months?

Answer 11

Start to produce first true words

They also begin to understand linguistic and social cues.

Question 12

What is a vocabulary spurt, and when does it occur?

Answer 12

50-150 words in 2 months, typically between 18-24 months

There is variability in quality and quantity among children.

Question 13

What continues to grow in children aged 2-5 years?

Answer 13

Vocabulary comprehension and production

This period is crucial for language development.