Language Acquisition

Children begin to acquire language from the moment they are born. They can begin to associate noises through different movements that are made. Although they might not be able to understand what is going on, they begin to develop their own form of communication. Since they cannot speak, they usually cry or make gestures to show when they are hungry, in pain or even happy. While the child is just an infant, parents and other close members can talk to them so they can get used to hearing different tones and voices. As they begin to grow, they begin to associate these tones with emotions. For example, if someone is yelling, it is understood that they might be upset.

When children begin to verbally communicate, it is important for adults around them to use proper terms and names for things so the children can begin to associate them. I often compare young children to sponges because they can intake whatever you give them. They are very open to learning new things and repeating them. They might not know the meaning of something, but they can begin to associate how the word is used from when they hear it. By doing this children will begin to mimic the behaviors of adults around them.

I think it is easier for a child to learn multiple languages when they are young, then to learn one when they are young and then try to learn another language as an adult. For example, my first language was Spanish, but as soon as I began school I was introduced to the English language and was able to pick it up quickly. Also, my nephew who is four years old can understand both Spanish and English. At first I thought he would be confused, but after having a conversation with my mother in which I asked her something in English and my nephew turned around and repeated what I said in Spanish, I was amazed. At that moment I understood that he was able to distinguish between the two languages and speak both languages when appropriate.

Children often speak the way they are spoken to. It is very hard to think of someone sitting down to teach a child a language because children pick things up during all moments of the day and when we least expect it.

Language acquisition has a lot to do with the development of reading. When they are learning to speak as a form of communication, this is a perfect time to use great vocabulary words. Children will become familiar with those words and how they are used and therefore will be able to recognize and associate the words to written text. If a child is spoken to and constantly being introduced to various vocabulary words and types of questioning, I feel the child will be a stronger reader. This is because they will be able to have their knowledge activated and be able to comprehend what is being told to them or read. It is important to teach children to restate and use details when answering questions because it will help them in the long run with their reading.