CHAPTER 2 THEORETICAL PERSPECTIVES AND CONTEXTS OF LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT
Chapter Overview
This chapter describes four theoretical perspectives of language development. The brain's role in language development is also explained along with the various contexts in which language development occurs. Patterns of interaction which enhance language development are also described.
Learning Outcomes
After reading this chapter, students should be able to
Describe four theoretical perspectives of language development
Explain the brain's role in language development
Identify and define the seven patterns of interaction
Explain the role of home environments on language development
Chapter Review
1. According to the behaviorist theory, how is language learned? Who is the theorist associated with this perspective?
2. According to the nativist perspective, how is language acquired? Who is the theorist associated with this perspective?
3. Who is the theorist associated with the cognitive developmental perspective? Describe that perspective.
4. Describe the interactionist perspective of language development. What is the LASS?
5. Describe the concept of the "zone of proximal development." How does this concept relate to language development?
6. Why are eye contact and shared reference critical to language development?
7. What are the characteristics of child-directed speech (adult-to-child speech)?
8. What is the role of child-directed speech in language development?
9. What are the characteristics of formal and informal settings? How does the setting influence the language experiences in that setting? Give an example.
10. What are “critical periods” in language development?
11. Give an example of a communication loop.
12. Identify the three types of questioning.
Chapter Activity
1. Please review the following video: How Children Acquire and Produce Language.
2. Reflect on the following:
Have you been in a situation when you did not understand what someone was telling/asking you? How did you feel?
Why is language acquisition so important?
Describe the development of the human larynx during a child's first year.
What is self-awareness?