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First Language Acquisition

First language acquisition refers to a child's acquisition of their native language from birth. There are several theories that seek to explain the process, including behaviorism which emphasizes imitation and reinforcement, and nativism which argues children are biologically programmed for language. The characteristics of first language acquisition are that it is rapid, instinctive, and occurs without formal instruction. Mastering a first language is important as it facilitates second language learning and brings cognitive benefits such as improved memory and problem solving. The process occurs in stages from babbling to single words and eventually multi-word sentences.

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Zuhra Haneeshan
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157 views23 pages

First Language Acquisition

First language acquisition refers to a child's acquisition of their native language from birth. There are several theories that seek to explain the process, including behaviorism which emphasizes imitation and reinforcement, and nativism which argues children are biologically programmed for language. The characteristics of first language acquisition are that it is rapid, instinctive, and occurs without formal instruction. Mastering a first language is important as it facilitates second language learning and brings cognitive benefits such as improved memory and problem solving. The process occurs in stages from babbling to single words and eventually multi-word sentences.

Uploaded by

Zuhra Haneeshan
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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First Language

Acquisition
Contents
 What is first language acquisition?
 Theories of first language acquisition.
 Characteristics of first language acquisition.
 Importance of first language acquisition.
 Process and stages of first language acquisition.
What is first language acquisition?

• Language acquisition is the ability to be aware of language and to understand it. Also it’s
the ability to produce and use words and sentences to communicate. Language can be
vocalized as in speech, or manual as in sign.

• The process of learning a native or a second language.

• First language acquisition is the children’s acquisition of their native language or the
acquisition of the mother tongue.
• It’s a subconscious process
• It does not require explicit instructions or education.
• Learners reach native fluency
Theories of language Acquisition

Behaviorism – Skinner – Say what I say


Language behavior is the production of correct responses to stimuli through
reinforcement.
• Language learning is the result of 1-imitation (word for word repetition), 2 practice –
repetitive manipulation of form), 3 – Feedback on success (positive reinforcement) and
4- habit formation.

• Nativism – Chomsky – its all your mind


Children are biologically programmed for language and language develops in
the child in just the same way that other biological functions develop.

• Cognitive approach – Jean Piaget – language learning is part of a child’s cognitive


development.
Language is dependent upon and springs from cognitive development. Children's
cognitive determines their language development.

Interaction Approach – Bruner - Our knowledge and experience of popular culture is


conditioned by the social contexts in which we live and interact with others.
What children need to know is essentially available in the language they are exposed to.
(learning from experience)
Characteristics of first language acquisition

• It is an instinct

• It is very rapid.

• Its very complete.

• It does not require instruction.


Importance of first language acquisition

• Your children will learn English more effectively if they continue to develop their first
language at the same time so that they become truly bilingual.

• Bilingual learners’ brains are more flexible as they are able to store and access information
in two languages using both sides of their brain simultaneously

• Bilingual learning particularly develops memory, concentration, multitasking, creativity,


problem solving. These skills can be very useful for the development of language and
mathematical skills.

• Evidence now shows that bilingual learners are overall better in academic performance than
monolingual learners.
Process of first language learning

It’s the way children learn their native language.

Stages of first language learning

o cooing
o Babbling
o One word stage
o Two word stage
o Telegraphic stage
o Later multiword stage
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