The Acquisition of Language by Children: How Do Children Learn Language So Quickly and Effortlessly?

Authors

  • Charles M. Miller
  • S.W Patel
  • D.H Ndebele

Keywords:

Children, language, acquisition, linguistic

Abstract

Aim: This paper provides an overview of the research on the acquisition of language by children, examining the key factors that contribute to successful language learning.

Methods: This study utilized a mixed-methods research design. Data was collected from relevant literature, including academic journals, books, and government publications. Data was analyzed using a thematic analysis approach for qualitative data, while descriptive and inferential statistics was used for quantitative data.

Results: One of the key findings in the field of language acquisition is that children have an innate capacity for language acquisition. The findings in the field of language acquisition suggest that children have an innate capacity for language acquisition, but that social interaction and exposure to language are also important factors. Another major finding in the field of language acquisition is that prosody, or the rhythm, intonation, and stress patterns of speech, plays an important role in language acquisition. Another key finding was that the quantity and quality of input that children receive in their language-rich environments play an important role in language acquisition. Furthermore, research has also shown that bilingualism can have positive effects on language acquisition itself.

Conclusion: Language acquisition is influenced by a wide range of factors, including biological, cognitive, social, and environmental factors. The ability to learn language is in part determined by biological factors, such as the structure and functioning of the brain.

Recommendations: Parents, caregivers, and educators should expose children to language as early and frequently as possible. Children should be provided with opportunities to interact with others in a language-rich environment. This can be through playgroups, preschool, and other social activities. Parents and caregivers should be encouraged to use exaggerated and varied prosody when talking to children.

Author Biographies

Charles M. Miller

General Linguistics, Department of literature, Stellenbosch University, South Africa.

S.W Patel

Lecturer, Department of literature, Stellenbosch University, South Africa.

D.H Ndebele

Lecturer, Department of literature, Stellenbosch University, South Africa.

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Published

2023-05-08

How to Cite

Miller, C. M., Patel, S. W., & Ndebele, D. H. (2023). The Acquisition of Language by Children: How Do Children Learn Language So Quickly and Effortlessly?. Literature and Linguistics Journal, 2(1), 60–68. Retrieved from https://gprjournals.org/journals/index.php/llj/article/view/148