Language Development

Language Development

1. Language Development Terminology

   • Phonology
     • is the sound system of a language; how words sound and are pronounced.
   • Semantics
     • the MEANINGS of words and word combinations; also the the set of rules by which we derive meaning from morphemes, words, and sentences in a given language.
   • Overregulation
     • the use of a syntactic rule in situations where an exception to the rule applies (ie. - "goed" and "deers.").
   • Sensitive Period
     • a specific time in development when certain environmental experiences have a more pronounced influence than at other times.
   • Undergeneralization
     • is the overly-restricted meaning of a word, excluding some situations to which the word applies
   • Syntax
     • the way a language combines words to form phrases and sentences; a system consisting of the rules of grammar for the language.
   • Morphology
     • refers to the rules combining morphemes. Students with problems with this area may not use inflectional endings in their words.
   • Morphemes
     • he smallest units of language that convey meaning. These are rootwords or words that can stand alone.
   • Overgeneralization
     • is too broad a meaning for a word, such that it is used in situations to which it doesn't apply.
   • Phonome
     • the smallest number of sound that combine with another sounds to make words.
   • Pregmatics
     • the conventions and strategies used in effective and socially acceptable verbal interactions (ie. - Sociolinguistic Conventions and Non-Verbal Communication).

2. Children's Hardwired Ability to Learn Language

   • Past Tense Rule
     • Children Assimilate grammar unconsciously/ Begin to use the past tense of verbs but don't quite understand all of the rules
       • ex: holded
   • Two Word Stage
     • 18 Months, shortest phrase possible to be considered a sentence.
       • . Ex: More outside (not something they've heard but something they understand)

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