Language Development & Acquisition
Language development and acquisition involves the process whereby children or adults acquire the ability to perceive and produce words in order to increase their communication skills. Language development and acquisition involves the ability to learn syntax, phonics, and increase one's vocabulary. Although language acquisition normally refers to a first language, it can involve the second or additional languages depending on the learner.
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Statistics
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According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, approximately six to eight million people in the United States alone have a form of language impairment. Based on the research gathered, the first six months of a child's life can prove crucial to language skills and that for a person to become competent in any language, it is beneficial to have exposure as early as possible, particularly before school age. Acquiring language, whether written, spoken or through sign language are best acquired in the early years of life.
Definition
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According to the American Speech-Language Hearing Association, language consists of socially shared and accepted rules regarding the meaning of words, how to create new words, how to join words, and the best combinations of words. Language allows self-expression and communication through signs, sounds, or gestures. Speech is a method of communication that involves articulation, voices, and fluency or rhythm.
Theories of Acquisition
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Three general theories have developed in regards to language acquisition, including imitation theory, reinforcement theory, and active construction of grammar. Although each child learns differently, some lean towards active construction as the best teaching method. Imitation theory states that children learn grammar by memorizing words and sentences; however, this theory does not account for the development of speech over time, such as how "nana" becomes "banana." The premise of the reinforcement theory is that children learn to speak based on praise or rewards; however, many parents do not correct a child's grammar or offer rewards. Active construction maintains that children invent their own rules of grammar, one such example is how children may use a past tense word, such as "hitted" to produce a new sentence and that many children ignore correction.
Language Development Timetable
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Although each child learns differently, there are patterns or typical language development in children that if not met, may demonstrate issues in your child's development. For instance, a one year old should understand simple instructions and be able to practice inflection, while a two year old should be able to name objects in a familiar environment, combine words into a short sentence, and respond to commands like showing someone their hair or eyes. These language development tables may help if a child seems behind in language development or unable to acquire language skills.
Disorders
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If a person has difficulty understanding and acquiring language, sharing thoughts, ideas, and feeling, then a language disorder may be involved. If someone has difficulty producing sounds fluently or has problems with their voices, then they may have a speech disorder.
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Language acquisition involves the ability for a child to perceive, produce words, and use words or phrases to communicate effectively and understand others. The capacity to learn a language involves learning syntax, phonetics and vocabulary, as all t
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Jean Piaget was a Swiss biologist and psychologist. He developed his theory of child development by observing children, including his own, in their natural environment. He argued that children had to go through distinct stages of development on their
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Children under the age of 5 can fail to reach their full intellectual and social potential because of a variety of environmental factors, according to the World Health Organization. One such factor is the amount of stimulation a child receives from h
