Question 1

Noam Chomsky is an advocate of the nativist theory of language development.

Accepted Answer

Noam Chomsky is well-known for his nativist theory of language development.

Question 2

The nativist position argues that language-learning capacities are built into the brain.

Accepted Answer

The nativist position, a theory proposed by Noam Chomsky, posits that humans are born with innate language learning capabilities. According to this theory, the brain is predisposed to learning language, and language acquisition is facilitated by a set of mental structures and processes that are present from birth. This is in contrast to the behaviorist view which suggests that language is learned through imitation and reinforcement.

Question 3

Explicit awareness of grammatical rules is not required in order for speakers of a language to speak grammatically.

Accepted Answer

Many language learners are able to speak grammatically without explicit knowledge of the specific grammatical rules of the language. This is because the brain is able to internalize and apply these rules through exposure and repetition, often without conscious awareness. However, explicit knowledge of grammar can still be helpful for further refining and mastering one's language skills.

Question 4

Because they are older when they begin to learn English,Chinese preschoolers adopted into American families begin to use English content and function morphemes at around the same time as do preschoolers who are not adopted.

Accepted Answer

Chinese preschoolers adopted into American families often begin to use English content and function morphemes earlier than non-adopted preschoolers because of their immersion in an English-speaking environment and their need to communicate in their new language.

Question 5

Noam Chomsky provided a behaviorist explanation of language development.

Accepted Answer

Noam Chomsky proposed a nativist approach to language development, arguing that humans have an innate ability to learn language, known as the language acquisition device (LAD), and that this is what allows us to learn language quickly and easily as children. This is in contrast to the behaviorist view that language is acquired through imitation and reinforcement.

Question 6

It is not uncommon for 5-year-old children to make more grammatical mistakes using the past tense than do 3-year-old children.

Accepted Answer

This is because 5-year-olds are still developing their grammar skills and might overgeneralize irregular verbs, while 3-year-olds are just starting to learn about the past tense.

Question 7

The telegraphic speech of a 2-year-old child usually is not grammatical.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The telegraphic speech of a 2-year-old child...

Question 8

Interactionist theories of language development argue that social interactions,not innate biological processes,are responsible for the development of language.

Accepted Answer

Interactionist theories of language development emphasize that both innate biological processes and social interactions are crucial for language development, suggesting a combination of inherent abilities and environmental influences rather than attributing language development solely to social interactions.

Question 9

The orderly series of linguistic milestones primarily is due to cognitive development.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The orderly series of linguistic milestones primarily...

Question 10

Grammatical mistakes in children most often arise from not applying a previously learned rule to a novel sentence construction.

Accepted Answer

Grammatical mistakes in children often arise from overgeneralization of rules, where they apply a general grammatical rule to cases where it doesn't apply, rather than from not applying a learned rule.

Question 11

Toddlers usually learn nouns before they learn verbs.

Accepted Answer

Research has shown that toddlers tend to learn and produce more nouns than verbs initially, as they start to label and categorize objects in their environment.

Question 12

Behaviorist explanations of language development emphasize how language is acquired through shaping and reinforcement.

Accepted Answer

Behaviorist theories, such as B.F. Skinner's, emphasize the role of environmental factors, particularly reinforcement, in language acquisition. According to behaviorism, children learn language through imitation and positive reinforcement from caregivers for using language in certain ways.

Question 13

The phrase "over and back" is a good example of telegraphic speech.

Accepted Answer

Telegraphic speech typically refers to the two-word stage of language development in children, where unnecessary words are omitted (e.g., "want cookie"). "Over and back" does not specifically illustrate this developmental phase, as it doesn't clearly demonstrate the omission of words to convey a message with minimal terms.

Question 14

Babies typically start speaking in single words by 5 months of age.

Accepted Answer

Babies generally start babbling and making sounds around 4-6 months, but they usually do not start using single words until around 10-14 months.

Question 15

Fast mapping occurs when children associate a word with its underlying concept after a single exposure to that word.

Accepted Answer

Fast mapping refers to the ability of children to quickly learn and form the connection between a new word and its underlying concept after just one exposure to it.

Question 16

A language acquisition device (LAD)is something that is acquired through experience.

Accepted Answer

A language acquisition device (LAD) is a theoretical tool proposed by linguist Noam Chomsky that is believed to be an innate, biologically-based ability that humans are born with, and not acquired through experience.

Question 17

Parents spend little time teaching grammar to their children.

Accepted Answer

Studies have shown that parents spend very little time teaching grammar to their children. Instead, children learn grammar through everyday communication and exposure to language.

Question 18

Genetic dysphasia is a condition in which people with genetically based low intelligence cannot learn the basic grammatical structure of language.

Accepted Answer

Genetic dysphasia is not a recognized medical condition or term. There is also no evidence to suggest that low intelligence is solely determined by genetics, or that it would prevent someone from learning the basic grammatical structure of language.

Question 19

B.F.Skinner believed that all humans are born with an LAD (Leaning Acquisition Device).

Accepted Answer

B.F.Skinner did not believe in the concept of LAD. Instead, he advocated for the theory of operant conditioning, which suggests that human behavior is shaped through reinforcement or punishment. The concept of LAD was proposed by linguist Noam Chomsky.

Question 20

The best time to acquire a second language is right after puberty,when learning skills and concentration have developed but the brain is still fairly plastic.

Accepted Answer

This statement is actually false. The best time to acquire a second language is actually during childhood, before puberty. During this period, the brain is highly plastic and receptive to acquiring language. However, it is still possible to learn a second language in adulthood, though it may require more effort and practice.

Quiz 9: Language and Thought-Part C