Question 1

What general conclusion can be drawn correctly from the research evidence linking language and thought?

Accepted Answer

Research evidence suggests that language and thought have a bidirectional relationship, where language can shape thought, thought can shape language, and they influence each other.

Question 2

Which theory of language acquisition combines several schools of thought to propose that language development is produced through a combination of genetically predetermined predispositions and environmental circumstances?

Accepted Answer

The interactionist perspective combines elements of both nature and nurture, suggesting that language development is influenced by both genetic predispositions and environmental factors.

Question 3

Which type of speech typically is directed toward infants and characterized by short,simple sentences?

Accepted Answer

Infant-directed speech, also known as "motherese" or "parentese," is characterized by short, simple sentences and is directed toward infants to aid in language development.

Question 4

Which of Noam Chomsky's linguistic concepts relates to how the human brain is uniquely and genetically predisposed to comprehend and produce language?

Accepted Answer

The concept of the "language-acquisition device" (LAD) is Chomsky's idea that humans are born with an innate ability to acquire language, suggesting a genetic predisposition for language comprehension and production.

Question 5

The __________ states that language can shape and possibly determine the way people from various cultures perceive the world.

Accepted Answer

The linguistic-relativity hypothesis, also known as the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis, suggests that the structure and vocabulary of a language influence how its speakers perceive and think about the world.

Question 6

Rebecca wants her baby to stop playing and crawl across the room to her.Rebecca uses the short phrase "Come to Mommy" to prompt her baby.What is this an example of?

Accepted Answer

Infant-directed speech refers to the way adults speak to babies, often using a higher pitch, slower tempo, and exaggerated intonation to capture the baby's attention and encourage communication.

Question 7

Which theory proposes that a genetically determined,innate mechanism directs language development?

Accepted Answer

The nativist approach, proposed by Noam Chomsky, suggests that humans are born with an innate ability for language development, guided by a universal grammar.

Question 8

Infant-directed speech used to be known by what outdated and gender-assuming term?

Accepted Answer

Infant-directed speech was traditionally referred to as "motherese," a term that assumes the primary caregiver is female.

Question 9

A child is asked,"Do you want to play with your blankie,your dolly,or your kitty?" Based on well-documented findings,what is the sex of the child receiving this message?

Accepted Answer

The toys mentioned (blankie, dolly, kitty) are stereotypically associated with girls, suggesting the child is more likely to be a girl.

Question 10

Which theorist proposed the linguistic relativity hypothesis?

Accepted Answer

Benjamin Lee Whorf proposed the linguistic relativity hypothesis, which suggests that the structure of a language affects its speakers' world view or cognition.

Question 11

Which term refers to the ability to communicate in more than one language?

Accepted Answer

Bilingualism refers to the ability to communicate in more than one language.

Question 12

Which theory proposes that language acquisition follows the basic laws of reinforcement and conditioning?

Accepted Answer

Learning theory approach proposes that language acquisition follows the basic laws of reinforcement and conditioning.

Question 13

Which theorist proposed the nativist approach and universal grammar to explain how children learn their language skills?

Accepted Answer

Noam Chomsky proposed the nativist approach and the concept of universal grammar, suggesting that the ability to learn language is innate and that all human languages share a common underlying structure.

Question 14

Based on research linking socioeconomic status and language use,what recommendation should be made to parents when speaking to their children?

Accepted Answer

Research suggests that frequent and varied language exposure from parents can enhance children's language development and cognitive skills.

Question 15

The sentences "I'm SO thrilled to be here," "I'm so THRILLED to be here," "I'm so thrilled to be HERE," and "I'M so thrilled to be here" differ in __________.

Accepted Answer

The sentences differ in intonation, as the emphasis is placed on different words in each sentence, changing the way they are spoken.

Question 16

Almost every time Amos articulates the word "da," his father picks him up with joy,smiles,and praises his son for trying to say "dad." The father's behavior reinforces Amos's behavior.Which theory of language acquisition is this an example of?

Accepted Answer

The learning theory approach suggests that language acquisition is based on reinforcement and imitation. In this scenario, the father's positive reinforcement encourages Amos to continue attempting to say "dad."

Question 17

The notion that all of the world's languages share a similar underlying structure is summarized in which concept?

Accepted Answer

Universal grammar is the theory proposed by Noam Chomsky that suggests all human languages share a common underlying structure.

Question 18

Which term refers to an understanding of one's own use of language?

Accepted Answer

Metalinguistic awareness refers to the ability to reflect on and understand the use of language, including one's own language use.

Question 19

Children rely on __________ when information is fuzzy or incomplete,such as asking for clarifications of information.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Children rely on __________ when information is...

Question 20

Which term refers to a neural system of the brain hypothesized to permit understanding of language?

Accepted Answer

The language-acquisition device (LAD) is a hypothesized neural system of the brain that permits understanding of language.

Quiz 7: Language Development