Biological Predispositions:
* Universal Grammar: Noam Chomsky proposed that humans are born with an innate ability to learn language, with a set of universal grammatical principles that guide language acquisition.
* Brain Structure: Specific areas of the brain, such as Broca's area and Wernicke's area, are specialized for language processing.
* Critical Period: There is a critical period during early childhood (approximately from birth to puberty) when language acquisition is most efficient. After this period, language learning becomes more challenging.
Environmental Factors:
* Exposure: Babies are constantly exposed to language, from the moment they are born. This exposure is crucial for them to learn the sounds, words, and grammar of their native language.
* Interaction: Language acquisition is not just about passive listening; it's about active interaction with caregivers and other speakers. Conversations, games, and reading aloud all contribute to language development.
* Social Context: The social environment plays a crucial role in language acquisition. Children learn language by observing and imitating the behavior of others.
* Input Quality: The quality of the language input a child receives affects their language development. Clear, consistent language with appropriate feedback is crucial for acquiring language effectively.
Stages of Language Acquisition:
* Pre-linguistic stage (birth - 1 year): Cooing, babbling, and the emergence of first words.
* One-word stage (1 - 2 years): Children start using single words to express ideas.
* Two-word stage (2 - 3 years): Children start combining two words into simple sentences.
* Telegraphic speech (3 - 4 years): Children produce longer sentences but may omit function words.
* Early fluency (4 - 5 years): Children develop more complex grammar and vocabulary.
Theories of Language Acquisition:
* Nativist theory: Emphasizes the role of innate biological factors.
* Behaviorist theory: Focuses on the importance of environmental factors and reinforcement.
* Interactionist theory: Combines both biological and environmental factors, suggesting that language learning is a collaborative process between the child and the environment.
Conclusion:
Language acquisition is a complex process involving both innate abilities and environmental influences. The interaction between these factors allows children to develop the capacity to understand and use language fluently.