Language acquisition
Language Acquisition
Language acquisition is the process by which humans acquire the capacity to perceive, produce and use words to understand and communicate. This capacity involves the picking up of diverse capacities including syntax, phonetics, and an extensive vocabulary. This language might be vocal as with speech or manual as with sign.
Pronunciation
Language Acquisition: /ˈlæŋɡwɪdʒ ˌæk.wɪˈzɪʃ.ən/
Etymology
The term "language acquisition" was first used in the 1970s by linguists studying child language development and second-language learning. It is derived from the Latin lingua meaning "tongue" or "language", and the Latin acquisitio meaning "to acquire or gain".
Related Terms
- Phonetics: The study of the physical sounds of human speech.
- Syntax: The study of the principles and rules for constructing sentences in natural languages.
- Vocabulary: The set of words within a language that are familiar to that person.
- Sign Language: A language which uses manual communication and body language to convey meaning.
- Speech: The vocalized form of human communication.
Language Acquisition in Children
Children's language acquisition has been a topic of interest since antiquity and modern research has further provided insights into the mechanisms and processes involved. Children acquire language through a subconscious process during which they are unaware of grammatical rules. This is exemplified by children's trial and error attempts to master their language skills.
Second Language Acquisition
Second language acquisition often refers to the learning of a non-native language after the first language has been learned. This process is generally thought to be more difficult and complex, requiring conscious study and instruction.
Theories of Language Acquisition
There are several theories of language acquisition which include the behaviorist theory, the innatist theory, the cognitive theory, and the interactionist theory. Each of these theories provides a different perspective on the ways in which humans acquire and develop language skills.
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