module 1 (finals) Flashcards
Early cooing and babbling (0–6 months).
Pre-linguistic Stage
Vocalization becomes more varied and reflects the sounds of the native language (6–9 months).
Babbling Stage
The first recognizable words are spoken (around 12 months).
First Words
Children begin to combine words into simple phrases (18–24 months).
Two-word Stage
Simple sentences begin, grammatical structures are used (24–30 months).
Early Sentence Use
Grammatical structures grow in complexity, with more advanced syntax (30–36 months).
Complex Sentences
Rapid increase in vocabulary and sentence complexity (3–5 years).
Vocabulary Growth
More advanced grammar, narrative skills, and abstract concepts (5+ years).
Refining Language Skills
Language is learned through environmental interaction
Language acquisition happens through interaction with caregivers and the environment.
Children imitate speech
Children learn by mimicking the language spoken by adults and peers, leading to word and phrase learning.
Reinforcement strengthens language use
Positive reinforcement encourages correct language use; incorrect use may be ignored or corrected.
Language development is gradual
Language skills develop gradually through imitation, reinforcement, and correction.
Language acquisition results from environmental stimuli and the learner’s responses. Repeated exposure increases the likelihood of imitation.
Stimulus-Response
Children imitate language they hear. Positive reinforcement encourages repeated correct usage; lack of reinforcement discourages incorrect usage.
Reinforcement and Imitation
B.F. Skinner proposed that language is shaped through operant conditioning—positive behavior is reinforced, and incorrect usage is corrected.
Operant Conditioning (B.F. Skinner)
Children are gradually reinforced for increasingly accurate speech, moving from approximations to correct forms (e.g., ‘ba-ba’ to ‘bottle’).
Shaping
Children become accustomed to repeated stimuli, allowing them to focus on meaningful patterns in language, like syntax and meaning.
Habituation
Language acquisition happens through interaction with caregivers and the environment.
Language is learned through environmental interaction
Children learn by mimicking the language spoken by adults and peers, leading to word and phrase learning.
Children imitate speech
Positive reinforcement encourages correct language use; incorrect use may be ignored or corrected.
Reinforcement strengthens language use
Language skills develop gradually through imitation, reinforcement, and correction.
Language development is gradual
Chomsky’s idea that all humans are born with an innate set of grammatical principles shared across all languages. This ‘mental blueprint’ helps guide language learning.
Universal Grammar (UG)
A hypothetical inborn mechanism proposed by Chomsky that allows children to naturally acquire language by inferring rules from the speech they hear.
Language Acquisition Device (LAD)
The idea that there is a biological window (birth to puberty) during which language acquisition happens most easily. After this period, learning a language becomes harder.
Critical Period Hypothesis (CPH)
Chomsky’s argument that the language input children receive is too limited to explain their ability to produce complex grammar, implying an innate linguistic ability.
Poverty of the Stimulus
What is the Sociocultural Theory of language acquisition?
It is a theory developed by Lev Vygotsky that emphasizes the importance of social interaction, cultural context, and tools (like language) in cognitive development.
Who developed the Sociocultural Theory of language acquisition?
Russian psychologist Lev Vygotsky.
Why is language learning considered social according to Vygotsky?
Because language learning occurs within a cultural and social environment through interactions with more knowledgeable others.
What role does social interaction play in language learning?
It is central to language and cognitive development; children learn through interactions with parents, caregivers, teachers, and peers.
What does it mean that language is a tool for thought?
Language doesn’t just reflect thought—it shapes, organizes, and facilitates thinking and problem-solving.
What is the Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD)?
It refers to the range of tasks a learner can perform with guidance from a more knowledgeable other but not yet independently.
Why is the ZPD important in learning?
Because it represents the “sweet spot” for learning—where a learner is capable of growth with proper support.
What is scaffolding in learning?
It’s the support given by a teacher or peer to help a learner complete a task within their ZPD; it is gradually removed as the learner becomes more competent.
How is scaffolding related to the ZPD?
Scaffolding provides the temporary support needed for learners to succeed within their ZPD.
What are examples of scaffolding?
Verbal cues, demonstrations, hints, or prompts provided during learning tasks.
How does cultural context affect cognitive development?
It shapes the tools and ways individuals learn, think, and solve problems, making development culturally situated.
Why is language considered a cultural tool?
Because it is used to interact, communicate, and share societal norms; it also influences thinking and learning.
What is private speech?
It is self-directed talk that children use to guide themselves during tasks, helping them think, solve problems, and internalize learning.
How does private speech evolve over time?
It becomes internalized into inner speech, which supports independent thinking and cognitive development.
How does Sociocultural Theory differ from other language development theories?
It views language development as inherently social, not as an isolated cognitive or biological process.
How is language a tool for cognitive development?
Children use language from social interactions to guide their thinking, problem-solving, and understanding of the world.
What are the key principles of Sociocultural Theory in language learning?
- Language is a social tool 2. Learning is collaborative 3. Cognitive development is shaped by culture 4. Scaffolding is crucial 5. Private speech indicates development.
Why is collaboration important in learning?
Because interaction with more skilled individuals helps learners expand their abilities within their ZPD.
What does Vygotsky mean by “social mediation”?
The idea that cognitive development happens through interaction with others and use of cultural tools like language and symbols.
What is the significance of private speech according to Vygotsky?
It’s a sign of developing self-regulation and cognitive control, leading to more independent thinking.
Front
Back
What is code-switching?
The practice of switching between two or more languages (or dialects) within a conversation, sentence, or phrase.
Why does code-switching happen?
It happens due to contextual factors, expressive needs, or ease/convenience.
Give an example of code-switching.
A bilingual person might say: ‘I need to finish this report by tomorrow, pero no tengo ganas de trabajar today.’
What is code-mixing?
The blending of two languages within a single sentence or discourse, often mixing vocabulary or grammar rules.
Why does code-mixing happen?
Due to lack of a suitable word, sociolinguistic identity, or cognitive ease.
Give an example of code-mixing.
‘I’m going to the tienda to buy some groceries.’ (Spanish word ‘tienda’ is mixed into English.)
What is diglossia?
A situation where two distinct varieties of a language are used in different social contexts: one ‘high’ (formal) and one ‘low’ (informal).
How are ‘high’ and ‘low’ varieties used in diglossia?
‘High’ is used in formal settings, media, and literature; ‘low’ in informal, everyday communication.
Give an example of diglossia.
In Arabic-speaking countries, Classical Arabic is the high variety and regional dialects like Egyptian Arabic are the low variety.
What is the difference between code-switching and code-mixing?
Code-switching involves switching languages based on context; code-mixing blends languages within a sentence.
What is the difference between code-switching and diglossia?
Code-switching is an individual behavior; diglossia is a societal language pattern with distinct high and low varieties.
What is the difference between code-mixing and diglossia?
Code-mixing is a sentence-level blend of languages; diglossia refers to social-level language separation based on context.
