Language Acquisition Quiz

What is language acquisition?

• The process whereby children acquire their first languages

• The process of forgetting one's native language

• The process of acquiring multiple languages simultaneously

• The process of learning a second language as an adult

According to the text, what is the critical period for language acquisition?

• Between the ages of 10-15

• In adulthood

• During adolescence

• Before the age of 5

Which approach to language acquisition focuses on observable behaviors and external stimuli?

• Cognitive Approach

• Nativist Approach

• Functional Approach

• Behavioral Approach

Who is considered the father of behaviorism?

• Ivan Pavlov

• John B. Watson

• B.F. Skinner

• Eric Lenneberg

What is the name of the chamber developed by B.F. Skinner for studying behavior?

(Two answers)

• Pavlov's Box

• Operant conditioning chamber

• Behavior Chamber

• Skinner Box

According to Chomsky, what is the term for the knowledge contained in the 'black box' in the brain?

• Grammar Matrix

• Linguistic Device

• Innate Language

• Universal Grammar

What are the four innate linguistic properties according to Mcneill?

• Ability to differentiate speech sounds, knowledge of certain linguistic systems, ability to engage in evaluation, counting systems

• Ability to differentiate speech sounds, categorize the linguistic data, knowledge of certain kind of linguistic systems, ability to engage in constant evaluation of the developing linguistic system

What is the main focus of the functional approach to language development?

• The exploration of language origins

• The analysis of phonetics

• The study of grammar rules

• The relationship between language form and social meaning

Who observed the ways his infant son attempted to communicate and developed the 'seven functions of language'?

• Noam Chomsky

• Ivan Pavlov

• Michael Halliday

• B.F. Skinner

What is the central concept of the nativist approach to language acquisition?

• Language is primarily learned through imitation

• Language acquisition is driven by external influences

• Language is a purely social construct

• Language acquisition is an innate process guided by internal mechanisms