Module 10: Lesson 3 - First language acquisition Flashcards
The two main theories for abstract thinking in younger learners are presented by:
L. S. Vygotsky - Soviet Psychologist
Vygotsky believed that it was the role of parents and teachers alike that improved the level of language development in children.
Jean Piaget - Swiss Psychologist
Piaget’s Cognitive Development Theory believed that children learn through their own individual actions and explorations.
According to Piaget, it is believed that the conditions for language learning are the same conditions that are necessary for any type of learning.
What are the criteria for Piaget’s theory of cognitive development?
1. Sensory Motor Stage: 0–2 years - This stage focused on looking at the world and learning through senses and actions. This stage focused on touching, looking, and grasping.
2. Pre-Operational Stage: 2-7 years - This stage focused on representing things with words and images.
3. Concrete Operational Stage: 7-11 years - This stage focused on thinking logically about concrete events.
4. Formal Operational Stage: 11-15 years - The last stage looked at abstract reasoning.
What are the criteria for Vygotsky’s theory for cognitive development?
He emphasized the role of language in cognitive development and had a strong focus on how social factors contributed to cognitive development.
Vygotsky theorized that we acquire our cultural values, beliefs, and problem-solving skills when we are children through communication with other people we are in close proximity to.
What are the 6 stages of children’s first language acquisition?
- Pre-talking stage (0-6 months)
- Babbling stage (6-8 months)
- Holophrastic stage (9-18 months)
- The two-word stage (18-24 months)
- Telegraphic stage (24-30 months)
- Later multi-word stage (30+months)
How do children acquire new language?
- Through examples – This may be a parent, a teacher, or peers
- Through social interaction
- Through memorization
- Through repetition
