Speech & Language Flashcards
What is spoken language?
A system of sounds comprised of a bank of words (lexicon) and a grammatical system made of syntax and morphology.
What are the 5 components of language?
1.Phonology
2.morphology
3.syntax
4.Semantics
5.pragmatics
How many spoken vowels are there?
12 spoken vowels each requiring different mouth mechanics
How are consonants made?
Reduction of air flow by reducing the space in the mouth.
How are children linguistically gifted?
.Children pick up Language without being directly taught
.able to learn phonology, grammar, words and prosody.
What are the stages of child speech development?
1 year= first word
2-3 years= second word + syntax
3-4= morphology
What are the language learning theories
Classical conditioning
Operant conditioning
Imitation
(Environment and behaviourism)
How is Operant conditioning linked to learning theory?
Language learning is reinforced by parents especially grammar. E.g “i holded the doggy” parent would correct “no I held the dog”.
How is imitation linked to learning theory?
Children reproduce words and sentences that they hear from others.
What are the criticisms of classical conditioning?
There can be many other interpretations regarding words that have been learned through association. If someone said “gavagai” in the presence of a rabbit, an inference will need to be made in order to try guess the meaning of the word. Yet children seem to usually get inferences right, pointing to an alternative theory of learning.
What are the Criticism of imitation?
Children make novel mistakes in their speech. These are mistakes often not learned through imitation.
What are the Criticism of operant conditioning?
Parents don’t always frequently, reliably or directly provide negative criticism about misuse or grammar or word choice.
What is the nativist theories?
Humans are genetically engineered to develop language through module organisation.
What is the language acquisition device (LAD) part of nativist theory.
Children have an Innate LAD module in the mind. The LAD has a set of Features common to all language (universal grammar). The LAD uses parameters settings to establish the rules set out for the language being learned which will then stay fixed in order to the learn the language.
What is the critical period?
A critical time frame in which a child must have exposure to language development. If not the ability to develop language can be impaired.
