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Language - A Tool of Thought



“The most significant moment in cognitive development occurs when the preschool child begins to use language not only for communication with others but also a tool of thought – a means of direct his or her own behaviour. When children internalize the cultural tool of language and rely in it to structure their own thinking, human development differs from the development of the lower animals. The resulting reorganization of thought & language allows all human higher mental functions to emerge.”

- Vygotsky interpreted

 

Group sitting together

Introduction

Language is one of the ways of gauging the cognitive development of a child, thus language development is a big area of concern for most educators and parents. Let us first take a look at the components of language and how do we consider a person to be good in a language?

What are the components of language?

All languages can be broken down into 5 major subsystems and a competent speaker of a language needs to learn all 5 – phonology, semantics, morphology, syntax and pragmatics.

Components of Language

Phonology

  • Rules for combining sounds into words including the use of stress and intonation in spoken words; System of sounds used in a language.
  • Phonemes are speech sounds that contrast with and can change the meaning of words

Semantics

  • The meaning of words and sentences, the vocabulary

Grammar - Morphology

  • System of rules for combining small units in a language to form words or to modify word meanings eg. unspeakable has 3 morphemes: un-not; speak-root; and able-ability to
  • Tenses and active/passive voice

Grammar - Syntax

  • Rules for organizing words into phrases and sentences

Pragmatics

  • Rules governing conversation and the social use of language, eg. including way of addressing friends versus lecturers, verbal greetings (Good morning) and leave taking (Excuse me)


Developmental Stages

Let us take a look at the normal developmental stages for a child in terms of language development, from the very first cry.

 

How can caregivers and parents help in the child's language development?

Adults’ sensitive interactions with the child also play a vital part in fostering all aspects of language competence.
Suggested adult-child interactions are:

1. Respond to Infants
Respond to infants’ coos and babbles with speech sounds and child-directed speech

2. Establish joint attention
Establish joint attention with the child and talk about what the child sees or hears as you walk together

3. Listen to Child
Play turn-taking games that involve sounds and gestures with infants, eg. peek-a-boo; imitation of sounds. Learn to listen to the child and give him the attention he deserves

4. Engage in Conversations
Engage toddlers in frequent conversations through everyday activities and a variety of experiences

5. Age-appropriate book reading and play
Engage in age-appropriate book reading to children and dramatic play with young children

6. Keep talking
Keep talking to the child as constant exposure to an accurate speaker of the language is important

Conclusion

Language – a tool of thought, can be the most tricky thing to teach a child. It is through constant exposure and interactions that a child picks up the five major subsystems of language and become competent in it.

 

References

1. Berk, L. (2003). Child Development (6th ed.). Boston: Allyn and Bacon
2. Chua, HL. (2004). Child Development Class Notes. Ngee Ann Polytechnic, Department of ECE
3. Young Parents (2005). Young Parents Preschool Guide (Vol 3, 2005). SPH Magazines Pte Ltd

 

     

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Last updated on February 20, 2008