Human Growth and Development

Components of Language A child’s language skills depend on verbal interaction. More exposure to language leads to stronger vocabulary and communication abilities. ●​ Phonemes: The smallest units of sound in speech. Exposure to different languages helps shape phoneme recognition. Chomsky’s research supports that children are biologically wired to recognize phonemes early in development. ●​ Morphemes: The smallest units of meaning in language, including whole words (e.g., "cat") and word parts like prefixes and suffixes (e.g., "un-" in "undo" or "-ed" in "walked"). Children combine morphemes to express more complex meanings. ●​ Syntax: The rules for forming sentences. ＞ ​ At 12 months, children use one-word expressions (holophrastic speech). ＞ ​ By 18–24 months, they use two-word phrases (telegraphic speech). ＞ ​ By 20 months, children usually have at least 20 words, and their vocabulary continues to expand rapidly. ●​ Pragmatics: The social use of language, including:

＞ ​ Understanding tone, formality, and context. ＞ ​ Adjusting speech for different situations. ＞ ​ Using gestures and nonverbal cues to enhance communication.

Through social interaction, children learn not just words but how to use language appropriately in different situations.

Theories of Language Development Different theories explain how language develops, ranging from biological factors to social and environmental influences.

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