Language Learning

Question 1

This process is most prominent when children are learning their first language(s).

Answer 1

Subconscious process

Question 2

In order to acquire a language, children need a source of this, which is usually the mother, father, or caregiver.

Answer 2

Source of natural communication

Question 3

How do multilingual children acquire langauge?

Answer 3

They acquire languages naturally by repeating, experimenting with sounds (phonemes), and using them purposefully in communication.

Question 4

It is the result of direct instruction in the rules of language. It is not age-appropriate for very young children as requires conscious knowledge of the language, including basic grammar.

Answer 4

Language learning

Question 5

Where do language learning typically begins?

Answer 5

It typically begins in a formal education setting, where reading and writing are taught.

Question 6

When and how language is learned by children?

Answer 6

• Language is typically learned by children at an early age without formal instruction, primarily through use and exposure.
• Genetic factors also play a role in language acquisition as human has the innate ability to speak.
• Environment, where children learn the specific variety of languages (dialect) that the people around them speak.

Question 7

At what age do children say their first words?

Answer 7

Between 12 and 18 months

Question 8

When do children begin to use complex sentences?

Answer 8

By the age of 4 to 4 and a half years old

Question 9

As with other aspects of development, language acquisition is not …, as one child may say her first words at 10 months, another at 20 months.

Answer 9

Not predictable

Question 10

Why are there children who are not able to produce sound?

Answer 10

Their vocal tracts may not be fully developed yet to produced certain sounds.

Question 11

When do children begin using speech sound?

Answer 11

In the babbling stage

Question 12

Cross-linguistic observations, especially among multilingual children, highlight that using the development in one language as a benchmark for all languages is…

Answer 12

shortsighted

Question 13

How do children acquire words?

Answer 13

Through a process of generalization and adaptation.

Question 14

It is about finding similarities and using them to understand new things.

Answer 14

Generalization

Question 15

Oral language consists of 3 components, which are?

Answer 15

• Phonological
• Semantic
• Syntactic

Question 16

It is changing the way you say something to fit the situation better for others to understand you.

Answer 16

Adaptation

Question 17

This component involves rules for combining sounds in a language, which we use unconsciously in speaking and understanding.

Answer 17

Phonological component

Question 18

This component is made up of morphemes, the smallest meaning-carrying units that combine to form words and sentences.

Answer 18

Semantic component

Question 19

This component consists of rules that enable the combination of morphemes into sentences, and it becomes more complex as a child’s language development progresses.

Answer 19

Syntactic component

Question 20

Some language experts also consider a fourth component, which deals with the rules of language use and how to speak appropriately in various social contexts.

Answer 20

Pragmatics

Question 21

Learning this is crucial as it impacts how people are perceived and judged based on both what they say and when they say it.

Answer 21

Pragmatic rules

Question 22

When it comes to language development, why should parents not focus on problems of children not being able to pronounce words as adults do?

Answer 22

Because most children naturally outgrow them; it is a tiny segment of the child’s total repertoire of language.

But if a child seems to have difficulty hearing or understanding others, or if their communicative abilities noticeably differ from their peers, seeking advice from specialists in children’s speech, language, and hearing may be necessary.

Question 23

To support natural language development, teachers, parents, and caregivers can follow these guidelines:

Answer 23

• Respect and value every child’s language or dialect as a valid form of communication
• Treat children as conversationalists from an early age
• Encourage interaction among children, especially in mixed-age groups, as peer learning is vital for language development
• Recognize that parents, caregivers, teachers, and guardians play crucial roles in language development as adults are the main sources of conversation
• Continue to promote interaction as children begin to understand written language