Language Development

Start with language and its development

For an introduction, look at the mind map that describes language as a symbolic system used to communicate ideas. Another map, titled Language Development, describes spoken, written and signed language and introduces terms such as phonology and morphology. These resources offer starting points for studying the terms used across the page.

Next, look at the Language Acquisition map that sets out stages of acquisition. It covers pre-linguistic communication, single-word speech and telegraphic speech, alongside environmental and biological contributions. A different map with the same title presents approaches associated with Skinner, Bandura, Lenneberg, Chomsky and Piaget.

Use quizzes alongside maps

Language Development Worksheet asks about children's word learning and infants' preferences for familiar language. Study the stages map first, then use the quiz questions to identify what you want to look at again. The map and quiz cover related material, although they do not necessarily answer every question in the same way.

Developmental Quiz includes questions on shared intentionality, natural pedagogy and primary intersubjectivity. You can note unfamiliar terms as you work through it and compare them with the material in the listed maps and flashcards.

Review terminology and connect your study

The flashcard decks include terms such as phonology, semantics, grammar and the language acquisition device. Use them to recall terms after studying a map. A Language Development map also brings together terminology such as syntax, morphology, overregulation and undergeneralization.

Language Development is a section of Developmental Psychology: Foundations and Early Development in Psychology. Use the resources here to organize your work on this section as you study the unit. Try a quiz after exploring a map, or make your own flashcards for terms you want to revisit.