Psychology 2410A/B Chapter 9: Chapter 9.docx
Document Summary
Phonology refers to the rules governing the structure and sequence of speech sounds. Semantics involves vocabulary the way underlying concepts are expressed in words and word combinations. Grammar consists of two main parts: syntax, the rules by which words are arranged into sentences, and morphology, the use of grammatical markers indicating number, tense, case, person, gender, active or passive voice, and other meanings. Pragmatics refers to the rules for engaging in appropriate and effective communication; pragmatics involves sociolinguistic knowledge; children must acquire certain interaction rituals, they must master their culture"s narrative mode of sharing personally meaningful experiences with others. Theories of language development the behaviourist perspective. B. f. skinner proposed that language, like any other behaviour, is acquired through operant conditioning; as the baby makes sounds, parents reinforce those that most resemble words by responding with smiles, hugs, and speech. Some behaviourists believe that children rely on imitation to acquire complex utterances; imitation can combine with reinforcement to promote language.