Test Definitions

Question 0

The study of the linguistic meaning of morphemes, words, phrases, and sentences

Answer 0

Semantics

Question 1

The study of the structure of words and word formation

Answer 1

Morphology

Question 2

The study of sentence formation

Answer 2

Syntax

Question 3

The sound system of a language

Answer 3

Phonology

Question 4

The components of the grammar containing speakers’ knowledge about morphemes, words, and vocabulary

Answer 4

Lexicon

Question 5

Use of L1 words or structures where they do not apply in the L2

Answer 5

Interference

Question 6

The stage of child language acquisition in which one word conveys a complex message similar to that of a phrase or sentence

Answer 6

Holophrastic

Question 7

A biological time during which humans are predisposed to acquire language

Answer 7

Critical period

Question 8

In L2 acquisition, the influences that result from similarities and differences between the target language and L1

Answer 8

Transfer

Question 9

Simplified, melodic speech often used with infants by caregivers

Answer 9

Motherese

Question 10

The concept that, in comprehending language, listeners create the simplest structure consistent with the grammar

Answer 10

Minimal attachment principle

Question 11

Comprehensible input

Answer 11

i + 1

Question 12

A “mental block” that prevents L2 learners from fully benefiting from comprehensible input

Answer 12

Affective filter

Question 13

An individual who shows special abilities in one cognitive area while being deficient in others

Answer 13

Savant

Question 14

Attach incoming material to the phrase that was most recently processed

Answer 14

Late closure principle

Question 15

A child’s hypothesis that a new word refers to a type of thing, not just a particular thing

Answer 15

Type assumption

Question 16

Children’s use of a term in a highly restrictive fashion, likely caused by the focus on a prototype of that category

Answer 16

Underextension

Question 17

A child’s innate hypothesis that a new word refers to types of objects that are alike in basic ways

Answer 17

Basic level assumption

Question 18

Children’s use of a term in an overly broad fashion, including under one term distinct forms not usually included in adult language; likely the result of perceptual similarities

Answer 18

Overextension

Question 19

A child’s hypothesis that a new word refers to the entire item indicated

Answer 19

Whole object assumption