Post on 14-Feb-2016
description
Language Development
Acquisition & Theories
Genie
What was Genie’s overall condition like?
– Social– Physical– Cognitive
What did the cognitive testing reveal about how Genie’s brain developed?
Was Genie’s early language deprivation the ONLY factor that contributed to her abnormal language development?
What is language?
A complex communication system that involves the use of abstract symbols to convey unlimited messages.
Do animals have language? Humans can transcend time
and space with language. Gestures
How is language structured?
Phonemes: smallest unit of sound (ch, st, b) no attached meaning. (40-50 unique phonemes)
Morphemes: smallest unit of meaning (ing, dog[s])
Syntax: order of word, helps us interpret meanings
We are going to the store. Nouns/subjects 1st,
verbs/predicates 2nd. Book him!!
How do we learn language?
Learning Theories: Exposure, Reinforcement, Repetition
Nativist Theories: “hardwired” to learn
Both sides have ardent supporters
Learning Theories
B. F. Skinner Principles of learning Associate shape of
mouth and sound Reinforced with smiles
and tone of voice Observation Learning,
mimic
Nativist Theories
Noam Chomsky– Ability to speak is
hardwired, but environment is the trigger.
– Innate– LAD: Language Acquisition
Device Eric Lenneberg
– Expanded the idea for a critical period for language acquisition.
Age MilestoneBirth to 2 months Cooing
2 months to 12 months Babbling
Approximately 12 months 1st word (typically sound, “da”)
Approximately 16 months Two word utterances “tele-graphic”
2-6 years of age Add 6-10 new words per day
During ages 2-6, learn grammar Overextension (doggie for every four-legged animal)
Age 5 Overregularization: I goed to the store
From age 5 on Add words to vocabulary, learn subtleties of language
Linguistic Universals
Arbitrariness: words are selected to stand for objects, agreed upon.
Displacement: allows us to talk about events the have happened, and will happen.
Vocal-auditory channel: primary form of communication using language. (exclusions: sign language)