The Characteristics of Language Acquisition and Development

Lawrence Cooper The Characteristics of Language Acquisition and Development ECE315: Language Development in Young Children Instructor: Kara Bullock 1-24-11 Language ability starts even before birth and happens in every area of the child’s life. A child absorbs the language that is spoken in their environment with characteristics such as the tonal quality, the syntax, and the usages of that language. A child can learn languages which are spoken by their parents. The child absorbs the language that is most prevalent in the environment they live. It is a unique phenomenon in human life and occurs in a significant time span. Language absorption is provided by nature from birth, up until around the ages of four to five.†¦show more content†¦That’s why it is crucial for parents and/or caregivers to speak, listen, and then respond to whatever their baby is uttering. This will be a kind of reinforcement of developing language patterns. I think this makes me realize the importance of the bonding process that all parents should undertake after birth. The role of a caregiver should follow later after th is process is complete. I think this will play a beneficial role in how an infant will acquire his or her oral competencies. Some of our literature offers us a time table as to when some of these accomplishments will occur. The text tells us that â€Å"at six months a child will respond to his or her name.† â€Å"At twelve months, a child uses their words with meaning and intention.† â€Å"The vocabulary increases from that of five to 20 words at 18 months to 150-200 words at two years of age.† â€Å"By the age of 4, a child can use at least four prepositions, know names of familiar animals and has mastered one or more colors.† (Atherton, 2008) This leads us to discuss the various ways in which it could be possible for children to acquire language. There are several perspectives that describe the ways in which children can acquire language skills. â€Å"The Learning perspective argues that children imitate what they see and hear; and that children learn from punishment and reinforcement.†(Shaffer,Wood, Willoughby, 2002). The first is the Nativist Perspective. ThisShow MoreRelatedDifferences Between L2 And L2 Development1681 Words   |  7 Pagesdiscusses the factors influence Mari’s L2 development. Factors affecting the learner’s L2 development 1. The similarities and differences between L1 and L2 Acquiring second language is different with first language development. These differences are the learning environment, learning development, interlanguage, learning goal, knowledge transfer and others. L1 Learners in the native language environment, people in this environment are native speakers. 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