Glossary of Terms: First Language Acquisition

Front

First Language (L1)

Back

The language a child acquires naturally from birth (mother tongue or native tongue).

Front

Second Language (L2)

Back

A non-native language that has an official role in a country (e.g., English in the Philippines).

Front

Foreign Language

Back

A non-native language that has no official status in a country (e.g., French in the Philippines).

Front

Heritage Language

Back

A minority language spoken by families or communities that differs from the dominant language.

Front

Dialect

Back

A variety of a language with unique grammar, vocabulary, or pronunciation, but still mutually understandable with other varieties.

Front

Motherese

Back

The simplified, exaggerated, and expressive speech adults use to talk to children (e.g., 'ma-ma,' 'pee-pee').

Front

Behaviorism

Back

A learning theory that explains language acquisition as a result of imitation, repetition, and reinforcement.

Front

Operant Conditioning (B.F. Skinner)

Back

A process where behavior is strengthened through rewards (positive reinforcement) or weakened through punishment (negative reinforcement).

Front

Habituation

Back

The process of learning through constant practice and repetition until a behavior becomes a habit.

Front

Cognitive Constructivism (Jean Piaget)

Back

A theory stating that children actively build knowledge and acquire language as they go through different stages of mental development.