Language Development
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Critical components of language include acquiring vocabulary and acquiring grammar, that is, the content and the structure of language.
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Vocabulary acquisition begins during the toddler years, increases dramatically beginning at age 2 so that by first grade a child understands 10,000 words, and by fifth grade understands 40,000 words.
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The sensitive period for grammar acquisition is between 18 months and puberty, although grammar acquisition for a second language begins to decline after age 7.
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Children who are truly bilingual—both vocabulary and grammar—learned both languages by the age of 3.
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Bilingual education involves teaching children subject matter in their native language and in English, whereas English as a Second Language (ESL) programs involve teaching English in a separate class.
TERMS
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Bilingual education
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Bilingual Education Act of 1988
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Convergent semantic production
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Divergent semantic production
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English as a Second Language (ELS)
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Limited English proficiency (LEP)
By middle childhood, most children have acquired the critical components of their language and find themselves engulfed in a verbal world (Figure 49-1). During this period, both vocabulary and structural knowledge continue to expand. By first grade, a child understands about 10,000 words; by fifth grade, he or she understands 40,000 words. Between 18 months and puberty is considered by some to be a sensitive period for the mastery of grammar, the complex structure of communication using language. By the end of the middle childhood, children are similar to adults in their language usage. Children who experience language problems are at a serious disadvantage with their peers, at school, and in their overall relationships with others.
By first grade, a child understands about 10,000 words; by fifth grade, he or she understands 40,000 words.
Between 18 months and puberty is considered by some to be a sensitive period for the mastery of grammar, the complex structure of communication using language.
Figure 49-1 Typical Language Accomplishments: 6-10 Years |
THE LANGUAGE EXPERTDuring middle childhood, children communicate with others more effectively and realize that language is a powerful tool they can use to manipulate their world. Increasing visual discrimination is apparent in their accurate description of events and the elimination of letter reversals (e.g., “b” for “d”). Growth in cognitive ability is seen in the detection of cause and effect, and the appeal of science and mystery stories.
As their vocabulary continues to grow, children begin to demonstrate divergent and convergent language abilities. Divergent semantic production is seen in the wide variety of words, phrases, and sentences they use when discussing a topic, thereby bringing originality, flexibility, and creativity to their language. Convergent semantic production is seen when children use the right word in response to a specific, restricted question such as “What is the opposite of hot?” (Owens, 1996). Children also appreciate that a word can have different meanings (e.g., “watch” or “spring”), which allows them to expand their repertoire of jokes.
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