08_child_language_learning - Child language learning There...

1
Child language learning
• There are general characteristics of child
language learning
• Children appear to follow the same “learning
program”
• Children progress regularly through similar
stages of learning
1 Four characteristics of
child language learning
Four characteristics of learning are
universal:
• Typicality
• Spontaneity
• Similarity from child to child
• Creativity
1.1 Typicality
Children learn language typically:
• Learning language is the norm. It is not a
rarity.
• Learning language is not universal to
humans. There are exceptions:
– Physiological handicaps may prevent language
learning
– Settings in which the child has no exposure to
language may prevent learning.
1.2 Similarity of language
learning
Children learn language similarly—they go
through the same stages regardless of
which language they are learning:
• Babbling (6 months)
• First words (1 year)
• First grammatical morphemes (2 years)
• Basic mastery (4 years)
• Continued learning, especially of the
lexicon (throughout life)
1.3 Spontaneity of language
learning
square4 Children learn language
spontaneously.
square4 There is innate motivation to learn
language
square4 No formal instruction is necessary
1.4 Creativity
Children learning language are creative
• foots
• eated
• Jem a boy, not a girl.
• Mommy no beard.

2
2 Stages in the learning of
English
• Children learning English tend to go
through certain predictable stages.
• These stages are characteristic of
children learning other languages as
well (though details will vary).
2.1 Language readiness
Before the first words, there is evidence
of readiness or preparation for
language:
• Evidence of spontaneity
• Evidence of similarity
•