Why is language important?Language is an essential skill that allows one and other to communicate. Children begin to develop language from birth, with the use of cries to get their needs met. Language development is important for a child to allow them the ability to adequately exchange information with others in a meaningful way. |
What is language? |
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Why is language development important? |
“The child begins to perceive the world not only through his [or her] eyes but also through his [or her] speech” (Vygotsky, 1978).
The seven aspects of our language system
- Phonology: the basic sound units of language (phonemes)
- Morphology: Units of meaning within words; the way words are formed (morphemes)
- Syntax: phrase and sentence structure- what makes sense (grammar)
- Semantics: The way language conveys meaning
- Pragmatics: Appropriate word choice and use in context to communicate effectively
- Orthography: spelling patterns
- Vocabulary: Knowledge of the meaning and pronunciation of words (lexicon)