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)