Define language. Describe phonology, semantics, grammar, and pragmatics.
Discuss the nativist, learning, and interactionist approaches to language acquisition, including criticisms of each approach.
Describe the role of parents as facilitators of language development. Know the tactics and speech modifications made by parents and be able to comment on the effectiveness of parental speech modifications. Discuss whether social interaction is crucial for language acquisition.
Describe the antecedents of language development, including preverbal communication, early language comprehension, and early sound production.
Discuss semantic development and vocabulary acquisition. Include examples of common errors in early word use. Include acquisition of grammar.
Describe the acquisition of grammar including progression from holophrases, telegraphic speech, and early errors (i.e., over-regularization). Discuss the emergence of formal grammar including questions, and negatives.
Describe the course of pragmatic development, including learning to engage attention of listeners, sensitivity to feedback, adjustment of speech to characteristics of listeners and situations, and critical listening.
Briefly describe the development of figurative language and the use of child metaphors.
Define metalinguistic awareness and its development in relation to other language abilities.
Discuss issues regarding bilingualism and language development.
