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Child meets word: "fast mapping" in preschool children
Journal of Speech and Hearing Research
|September 1, 1985
Summary
Preschoolers demonstrate rapid word learning, forming "fast mappings" with new words and objects after brief exposure. This process includes recalling linguistic and nonlinguistic details, showcasing early language acquisition skills.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Psychology
- Linguistics
- Cognitive Science
Background:
- The concept of "fast mapping" describes how children acquire new words rapidly.
- Understanding the extent of information children retain after initial word exposure is crucial for developmental theories.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the capabilities of fast mapping in preschool children.
- To determine the depth of lexical and non-lexical information acquired through fast mapping.
Main Methods:
- Thirty-five preschool children (ages 2:1-5:11) were exposed to a novel word and its object.
- Participants were tested on word-referent identification and production after single and repeated exposures.
Main Results:
- 91% inferred the word-referent connection on first exposure.
- 81% identified the referent upon second hearing; 45% produced phonemes of the new word.
- Children recalled nonlinguistic information and recognized correct labels even without production.
Conclusions:
- Preschoolers effectively create fast mappings with significant linguistic and nonlinguistic details.
- Even brief, casual word encounters facilitate robust initial word representations in young children.