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The Language Acquisition Support System (LASS)

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The Language Acquisition Support System (LASS) is central to understanding how social interaction fosters children's language development. Contrasting with Chomsky's Language Acquisition Device (LAD), LASS emphasizes the role of parents, caregivers, educators, peers, and media in nurturing linguistic skills. The case of Genie Wiley illustrates the system's importance, while acknowledging its limitations and the need for a diverse range of interactions for effective language learning.

The Concept of the Language Acquisition Support System (LASS)

The Language Acquisition Support System (LASS) is a foundational concept in the Social Interactionist Theory of language acquisition, which posits that social interaction is essential for linguistic development. Developed by Jerome Bruner, LASS serves as a counterpoint to Noam Chomsky's notion of a Language Acquisition Device (LAD)—an innate, biological faculty that enables language learning. LASS instead underscores the importance of environmental and interpersonal stimuli provided by "more-knowledgeable others," such as parents, caregivers, and educators, in nurturing a child's language acquisition journey.
Diverse group of young students engaged in a reading activity with their African female teacher in a sunlit, colorful classroom setting.

The Crucial Role of Parents and Caregivers in Language Development

Parents and caregivers are instrumental in a child's language development, beginning even before birth, as fetuses can discern and become attuned to auditory stimuli. Through early interactions characterized by "Motherese" or "Child-Directed Speech," adults employ a simplified lexicon, exaggerated intonation, and a slower pace to facilitate communication with infants. This form of speech aids in the assimilation of phonemes and vocabulary, establishing a foundation for future language learning. Engaging in activities such as singing and reading to children also exposes them to language in context, enhancing their vocabulary and comprehension skills.

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00

The concept of ______ is crucial in the Social Interactionist Theory, emphasizing the role of social interaction in language development.

Language Acquisition Support System (LASS)

01

Fetal auditory stimuli response

Fetuses discern and attune to sounds before birth, aiding early language readiness.

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Characteristics of 'Motherese'

Simplified words, exaggerated tones, slower speech pace to boost infant communication.

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