Oral Language
What is oral language?
Being able to hear language, perceive differences in meaning and articulate language is crucially important for learning to read and write.
'Proficiency in oral language provides children with a vital tool for thought. Without fluent and structured oral language, children will find it very difficult to think.' (Bruner, 1983)
Steps on the development of oral language skills
If your child is behind in these stages don't worry!! Click on my Pinterest link 'Oral language activities for children' for ways to encourage oral language development. Remember each child is individual and develops at their own pace.
Components of oral language
- Phonological component involves the knowledge that each letter has a corresponding sound and that words are made by blending these individual sounds (For example, Speakers of English, know that an English word can end, but not begin, with an -ng sound.)
- Semantic component is made up of morphemes, the smallest units of meaning that may be combined with each other to make up words (for example, paper + s are the two morphemes that make up papers)
- Syntactic component consists of the rules that enable us to combine morphemes into sentences. As soon as a child uses two morphemes together, as in "more cracker," she is using a syntactic rule about how morphemes are combined to convey meaning.
Children learn amazing aspects of oral language, most likely without ever realizing how much they know. (Hoing, 2007).
The role of oral language has in preparing children in learning to read and write-
-Oral language develops vocabulary. Children gain information about word meanings and pronunciation and these concepts are introduced in speech and understanding others’ speech.
-Children learn through oral language the structure of language and that it communicates meaning. Children who can articulate their words and thoughts clearly have an advantage in learning to read over those children who have poor oral language skills.
-Oral language acquisition builds a desire to use language for a variety of purposes, such as reading, wiring and listening.