Language and literacy
First language acquisition
Quick Rules
-
Time limit: 50 minutes
-
Multiple attempts are not allowed
-
All questions must be answered to submit
Share Quiz
Quiz Questions Preview
Question 1
At what age do children typically begin to produce recognizable words in their first language?
Explanation
Children usually start to produce recognizable words around the age of 1 year, marking a significant milestone in their first language acquisition.
Question 2
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of first language acquisition?
Explanation
First language acquisition happens naturally, often without formal education, through interaction and gradual learning.
Question 3
What role do caregivers play in first language acquisition?
Explanation
Caregivers provide a supportive linguistic environment and model language, which helps children in their natural language development.
Question 4
Which of the following best describes the timeline of first language acquisition?
Explanation
Children acquire their first language through natural interactions with adults, often receiving simplified speech known as 'motherese' to aid their understanding.
Question 5
What is the primary focus of first language acquisition?
Explanation
First language acquisition refers to the process through which children naturally develop their native language skills without formal instruction.
Question 6
A researcher is studying children between the ages of 2 and 4 years who are learning to speak their first language. They notice that children are often able to use simple sentences but struggle with more complex structures. Which explanation about first language acquisition best fits this observation?
Explanation
The correct answer highlights the predictable stages in language acquisition, where children naturally develop simple structures before more complex ones due to their cognitive development. The other options reflect common misconceptions about the language learning process, such as the belief that direct instruction is necessary or that abilities regress.
Question 7
Imagine a parent who speaks a different language from the community is raising their child. They often speak in their native language at home while regularly exposing the child to the community language during play. Considering first language acquisition, what is the likely outcome for the child’s language development?
Explanation
The right answer indicates that simultaneous exposure to both languages can lead to bilingualism, as children are capable of acquiring multiple languages from an early age. The distractor options reflect misconceptions about bilingualism, such as assuming a child will favor one language or struggle without consistent exposure, which do not take into account the adaptability of children's language acquisition abilities.
Question 8
[Case Scenario] A group of researchers is observing a child named Sarah, who is 18 months old. They note that she can say about 50 words and is beginning to combine two words into phrases, such as 'more juice' and 'mama go'. The researchers are studying Sarah's language development to understand how children acquire their first language, focusing on the various stages of language acquisition. Question: Based on Sarah's language acquisition stage, which of the following statements is most accurate regarding her development?
Explanation
The observation shows that Sarah is beginning to combine words, indicating she is in the telegraphic speech stage, which generally involves two to three-word combinations. This level of language skill highlights her progression past the one-word stage but suggests she is still developing more complex grammatical structures.
Question 9
[Case Scenario] Tommy, a 2.5-year-old boy, has been exposed to both English and Spanish at home, as his parents speak these languages alternately. Observers note that while Tommy can switch between the two languages, he often mixes them within the same sentence, saying things like 'I want manzana'. Researchers are examining the effects of bilingualism on first language acquisition and are curious about Tommy's linguistic behavior. Question: What can be concluded about Tommy’s bilingual language acquisition based on the scenario?
Explanation
Tommy's ability to switch languages and mix them suggests he is in the process of acquiring both languages. It's normal for bilingual children to mix languages as they navigate and learn the structure and vocabulary of each language, which reflects ongoing cognitive development rather than interference or deficiency.
Question 10
[Case Scenario] Lily, a three-year-old girl, was observed during playtime. She frequently uses words she has recently learned but makes grammatical errors, such as saying 'goed' instead of 'went'. Her caregivers notice that despite these errors, she can narrate stories from her favorite books and uderstands complex instructions. Researchers are studying the phenomenon of overgeneralization in language acquisition among young children. Question: What does Lily's use of 'goed' instead of 'went' illustrate in the context of first language acquisition?
Explanation
Lily's usage of 'goed' instead of the correct form illustrates overgeneralization, which is when children apply learned grammatical rules to new situations, often leading to errors with irregular forms. This is a common phase in language development as children test and apply their language knowledge.