1. Language Development Acquisition & Theories

2. 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?

3. 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

4. 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 1 st, verbs/predicates 2 nd. Book him!!

5. How do we learn language? Learning Theories: Exposure, Reinforcement, Repetition Nativist Theories: “hardwired” to learn Both sides have ardent supporters

6. Learning Theories B. F. Skinner Principles of learning Associate shape of mouth and sound Reinforced with smiles and tone of voice Observation Learning, mimic

7. 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.

8. AgeMilestone Birth to 2 monthsCooing 2 months to 12 monthsBabbling Approximately 12 months1 st word (typically sound, “da”) Approximately 16 monthsTwo word utterances “tele- graphic” 2-6 years of ageAdd 6-10 new words per day During ages 2-6, learn grammarOverextension (doggie for every four-legged animal) Age 5Overregularization: I goed to the store From age 5 onAdd words to vocabulary, learn subtleties of language

9. 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)