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Language Development01:22

Language Development

1.1K
Children master language quickly and with relative ease, supported by both biological predisposition and reinforcement. B. F. Skinner (1957) proposed that language is learned through reinforcement, while Noam Chomsky (1965) argued that language acquisition mechanisms are biologically determined.
The critical period for language acquisition suggests that the ability to acquire language is at its peak early in life. As people age, this proficiency decreases. Language development begins very...
1.1K
Language and Cognition01:27

Language and Cognition

978
Language serves as a bridge between ideas and communication, influencing how individuals perceive and interact with the world. Psychologists have long debated whether language shapes thought or vice versa. This discussion gained grip with Edward Sapir and Benjamin Lee Whorf in the 1940s, who proposed that language determines thought, a concept known as linguistic determinism. They suggested that the vocabulary and structure of a language influence how its speakers think and perceive reality.
978
Components of Language01:24

Components of Language

939
Language, whether spoken, signed, or written, consists of specific components: lexicon and grammar. The lexicon is the vocabulary of a language, comprising its words. Grammar is the set of rules used to convey meaning through the lexicon. For example, English grammar adds “-ed” to most verbs to indicate past tense. Words are formed by combining phonemes, which are the basic sound units of a language. Different languages have different sets of phonemes (e.g., “ah” vs.
939
Language01:16

Language

1.0K
Language is a unique communication system that uses words and systematic rules to organize and transmit information. Unlike other forms of communication, which may involve postures, movements, odors, or vocalizations, language relies on symbols and grammar. This makes human communication distinct from that of other species, who also communicate but do not use language in the same way humans do.
Corballis and Suddendorf (2007) and Tomasello and Rakoczy (2003) highlight the role of language in...
1.0K
Higher Mental Functions of the Brain: Language01:10

Higher Mental Functions of the Brain: Language

4.1K
Language is a system of communication that allows the expression of thoughts, ideas, and feelings. The brain processes language in both hemispheres.
Language formation and comprehension take place in the dominant hemisphere. The dominant hemisphere is responsible for understanding the meaning of spoken, written, or sign language, as well as the ability to communicate. For most people, the left hemisphere is the dominant one. The right hemisphere, then, gives tone and emotional context to the...
4.1K

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Apr 5, 2026

Experience is Instrumental in Tuning a Link Between Language and Cognition: Evidence from 6- to 7- Month-Old Infants' Object Categorization
05:35

Experience is Instrumental in Tuning a Link Between Language and Cognition: Evidence from 6- to 7- Month-Old Infants' Object Categorization

Published on: April 19, 2017

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Assessment of language acquisition.

Peter A de Villiers1, Jill G de Villiers1

  • 1Smith College, Department of Psychology, Northampton, MA, USA.

Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews. Cognitive Science
|August 15, 2015
PubMed
Summary

This review explores effective language assessment methods for identifying children's strengths and weaknesses. It emphasizes content validity and unbiased evaluation for diverse linguistic backgrounds, advocating for process-oriented measures.

Area of Science:

  • Child language acquisition
  • Developmental psychology
  • Linguistic assessment

Background:

  • Language assessment design is critical for diagnosis, intervention planning, and research.
  • Precise language profiles are essential for defining phenotypes of language and neurodevelopmental disorders.
  • Formal tests and language sampling have distinct benefits and costs.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review optimal methods for assessing language acquisition.
  • To explore content validity and its importance in assessment.
  • To address challenges in unbiased assessment for diverse populations.

Main Methods:

  • Review of formal tests versus language sampling.
  • Discussion of content validity grounded in child language acquisition theory.

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Examining Recall Memory in Infancy and Early Childhood Using the Elicited Imitation Paradigm
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Examining Recall Memory in Infancy and Early Childhood Using the Elicited Imitation Paradigm

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Experience is Instrumental in Tuning a Link Between Language and Cognition: Evidence from 6- to 7- Month-Old Infants' Object Categorization
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Portable Intermodal Preferential Looking IPL: Investigating Language Comprehension in Typically Developing Toddlers and Young Children with Autism
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  • Examination of sensitivity and specificity issues in assessment instruments.

    • Main Results:

    • Content validity is paramount for accurate assessment and interpretation.
    • Existing assessment standards may be biased against certain groups or dialects.
    • New approaches like dynamic assessment and generalization studies offer promising alternatives.

    Conclusions:

    • Assessment must be theoretically and empirically grounded in child language acquisition.
    • Unbiased assessment is crucial for diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds.
    • Focusing on the process of acquisition, not just achievement levels, is vital.