1. Language By Aleksandras Rusinovas PSbd8-02

2. Contents:  Definition of language  Elements of language  Children’s language development  Language theories  Language families  Conclusions  References

3. Language: The communication of information through symbols arranged according to systematic rules.

4. Elements of language:  Grammar: Phonology Syntax Semantics

5. Language development:  Babbling (3monthes – 1year)  One-word stage (1year)  Two-word (Telegraphic speech) stage (~2,5years)  Overgeneralization (~3years)  Basic rules of language (~5years)

6. Languag e theories:  Learning theory approach to language development  Universal grammar theory  Linguistic-relativity hypothesis

7. Language families by number of native speakers: 1.Indo-European 2.Sino-Tibetan (East Asia) 3.Niger-Congo (Sub-Saharan Africa) 4.Afro-Asiatic (North Africa, Southeast Asia) 5.Austro-Asian (Oceania, Madagascar) 6.Dravidian (South Asia) 7.Altaic (Central Asia, Northern Asia, Siberia) 8.Austro-Asiatic (Southeast Asia) 9.Tai-Kadai (Southeast Asia) 10.Japanese (Japan)

8. Conclusion:  Language is the very essential part of people’s everyday life and therefore it takes an important place in psychology.

9. References:  http://www.literacytrust.org.uk/talkto yourbaby/theories.html “Developing language for life” (2009-03-24)  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Languag e “Language” (2009-03-24)  Robert S. Feldman. “Understanding psychology”. 2008.