Language Acquisition Flashcard

Front

During a playful afternoon, Priya notices that her baby brother Aiden is making sounds like mamama and dadada. She wonders which stage of language development this represents.

Back

Babbling

Answer explanation

The babbling stage is characterized by the production of repetitive consonant-vowel combinations, such as 'mamama' or 'dadada'. This stage typically occurs around 6 to 10 months of age, distinguishing it from other stages.

Front

According to Jean Aitchison, what does labelling involve?

Back

Associating names with objects

Answer explanation

According to Jean Aitchison, labelling involves associating names with objects. This process is fundamental in language development, as it helps children connect words to their meanings.

Front

What percentage of early words were naming words in Nelson’s 1973 study?

Back

60%

Answer explanation

In Nelson's 1973 study, 60% of early words were naming words, indicating a significant focus on nouns in early language development.

Front

Which of the following is a virtuous error? “I goed”, “Shoes” only meaning my shoes, “Fish” pronounced as pish, “Wassat?”

Back

“I goed”

Answer explanation

The phrase "I goed" is a virtuous error because it reflects a common developmental mistake in language acquisition, where children often overgeneralize rules, such as adding -ed to irregular verbs.

Front

What stage of language development is characterized by using three- to four-word phrases while leaving out small function words?

Back

Telegraphic

Answer explanation

The telegraphic stage involves three- to four-word utterances where function words are often omitted, focusing on content words to convey meaning, making it the correct choice.

Front

What term describes applying a word too broadly, like calling a cat a "dog"?

Back

Overextension

Answer explanation

The term 'overextension' refers to applying a word too broadly, such as calling all animals 'dog'. This contrasts with 'underextension', where a word is applied too narrowly.

Front

What cognitive milestone is Elijah struggling with in the Sensorimotor Stage (0–2 years) when he rolls his ball under the couch and can't find it?

Back

Object permanence

Answer explanation

Object permanence is a key cognitive milestone in the Sensorimotor Stage, as it signifies a child's understanding that objects continue to exist even when they cannot be seen, which typically develops around 8-12 months.

Front

Which interactionist concept describes learning best with help just beyond current ability?

Back

Zone of Proximal Development

Answer explanation

The Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD) refers to the range of tasks that a learner can perform with guidance but not yet independently. It highlights the importance of support just beyond current ability for effective learning.

Front

Which theorist emphasised pattern-finding and constructions in language learning?

Back

Tomasello

Answer explanation

Tomasello emphasized the importance of pattern-finding and constructions in language learning, focusing on how children learn language through social interaction and usage, distinguishing him from Chomsky, Piaget, and Bruner.

Front

What is the pre-linguistic stage?

Back

Cooing, babbling, vocal play

Answer explanation

The pre-linguistic stage is characterized by early vocalizations such as cooing, babbling, and vocal play, which are foundational for language development. Overextension and underextension occur later in language acquisition.