👶developmental psychology review

key term - First words

Definition

First words refer to the initial spoken language produced by infants, typically occurring around 12 months of age. These early utterances mark a crucial milestone in language acquisition and development, signaling the child's growing ability to communicate and interact with their environment. First words often consist of simple, familiar terms related to objects or people in the child's immediate surroundings, showcasing the connection between cognitive development and linguistic skills.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. First words usually emerge around 12 months, but can vary based on individual developmental timelines.
  2. Common first words often include familiar nouns like 'mama,' 'dada,' and names of pets or favorite toys.
  3. The context in which first words are learned plays a significant role; children often learn words related to their daily experiences and interactions.
  4. Social interaction is crucial during this stage; caregivers often encourage verbal communication through prompting and modeling language.
  5. First words represent not just linguistic skills, but also cognitive growth, as they show an understanding of the world around them.

Review Questions

  • How do first words reflect an infant's cognitive and social development?
    • First words are a significant indicator of an infant's cognitive development, as they demonstrate an understanding of their environment and the ability to associate sounds with meanings. Socially, the use of first words indicates that infants are beginning to engage with caregivers and peers, showing a desire to communicate their needs and experiences. This early stage of verbal communication highlights the importance of social interactions in supporting language acquisition.
  • Discuss the relationship between first words and the vocabulary spurt that follows in early childhood.
    • First words serve as a foundation for language development, paving the way for a vocabulary spurt that typically occurs between 18 and 24 months. During this period, children rapidly acquire new words at an accelerated rate, often doubling their vocabulary in just a few months. The initial words help children make connections and build upon their linguistic skills, leading to more complex speech patterns as they continue to explore language.
  • Evaluate how cultural factors may influence the timing and content of first words in infants.
    • Cultural factors play a significant role in shaping both the timing and content of first words among infants. Different cultures prioritize various aspects of communication; for example, some may encourage more social interaction and verbal engagement, leading to earlier speech development. Additionally, the types of objects or relationships emphasized in a child's environment can determine which first words are acquired. Understanding these cultural influences can provide insights into the diverse trajectories of language acquisition across different populations.

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