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.

Summary

Outline

The Language Acquisition Support System (LASS)

Social Interactionist Theory of language acquisition

Importance of social interaction

Social interaction is essential for linguistic development according to the Social Interactionist Theory of language acquisition

Comparison to Noam Chomsky's Language Acquisition Device (LAD)

Definition of LAD

LAD is an innate, biological faculty that enables language learning according to Noam Chomsky

Contrast with LASS

LASS serves as a counterpoint to LAD, emphasizing the role of social interaction in language acquisition

Role of "more-knowledgeable others"

"More-knowledgeable others," such as parents, caregivers, and educators, play a crucial role in nurturing a child's language acquisition journey according to LASS

Environmental and interpersonal stimuli

Importance of prenatal exposure to language

Fetuses can discern and become attuned to auditory stimuli, making prenatal exposure to language important for language development

Motherese" or "Child-Directed Speech

"Motherese" or "Child-Directed Speech" is a form of speech used by adults to facilitate communication with infants, aiding in the assimilation of phonemes and vocabulary

Activities such as singing and reading

Engaging in activities such as singing and reading to children exposes them to language in context, enhancing their vocabulary and comprehension skills

Educational settings

Role of teachers and childcare professionals

Teachers and childcare professionals extend the interactive experiences initiated by parents, providing structured opportunities for language exposure through books, songs, and various activities

Nurseries and preschools

Nurseries and preschools are designed to introduce children to new vocabulary and complex linguistic structures, playing a vital role in broadening their language capabilities and cognitive development

Introduction to new vocabulary and linguistic structures

Educational settings introduce children to new vocabulary and complex linguistic structures, aiding in their language development

Peer interaction and media

Importance of peer interaction

Peer interaction exposes children to novel words and sentence structures, facilitating language learning through observation and active participation

Influence of media on language development

Children's television programs and educational software can introduce new concepts and vocabulary in an engaging manner, aiding in language development

Impact of environmental encounters

Interactions with a variety of individuals, such as shopkeepers or other children in public places, can contribute to a child's linguistic repertoire by exposing them to different styles and functions of language use in diverse contexts

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

Language Acquisition Support System (LASS)

Fetal auditory stimuli response

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

Characteristics of 'Motherese'

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

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Educational Environments as Extensions of LASS

Educational settings become increasingly influential in the Language Acquisition Support System as children mature. In these environments, teachers and childcare professionals extend the interactive experiences initiated by parents, providing structured opportunities for language exposure through books, songs, and various activities. These settings, which include nurseries and preschools, are designed to introduce children to new vocabulary and complex linguistic structures, thereby playing a vital role in broadening their language capabilities and cognitive development.

Peer Interaction and the Impact of Media on Language Learning

Peer interaction is another vital component of language acquisition. Through play and dialogue with peers, children are exposed to novel words and sentence structures, learning through observation and active participation. Media also influences language development, with children's television programs and educational software offering content that can introduce new concepts and vocabulary in an engaging manner. Repetitive and catchy songs, such as "Baby Shark," exemplify how media can facilitate language learning through memorable melodies and themes that resonate with young learners.

Environmental Influences on Language Acquisition

Children's language development is further shaped by their broader environment, which includes interactions with a variety of individuals, such as shopkeepers or other children in public places. These encounters, while less targeted than those with primary caregivers, still contribute to a child's linguistic repertoire by exposing them to different styles and functions of language use in diverse contexts.

The Significance of LASS: Insights from the Case of Genie Wiley

The case of Genie Wiley, a child who experienced severe social isolation, highlights the critical role of the Language Acquisition Support System. Genie's lack of exposure to language and social interaction during her formative years led to significant deficits in language acquisition. This case study poignantly demonstrates the detrimental impact of an absent LASS and reinforces the importance of social engagement and stimulation for normal language development.

Assessing the LASS Model: Strengths and Limitations

The LASS model is lauded for its emphasis on the beneficial effects of social interaction on language acquisition. Children immersed in linguistically rich environments typically exhibit advanced communication skills. However, the model does not fully address the unique needs of children with disabilities who may require specialized interventions. Moreover, variations in the quality and quantity of social interaction do not always predict language development outcomes, suggesting that additional factors may influence language learning.

Concluding Thoughts on the Language Acquisition Support System

The Language Acquisition Support System is a comprehensive framework that underscores the importance of social interaction in children's language skill development. Bruner's LASS model complements Chomsky's LAD by highlighting the role of external input from knowledgeable individuals in the language learning process. LASS encompasses a range of interactions, from parental engagement to formal education, peer communication, media exposure, and environmental encounters, all contributing to a child's linguistic progress. Despite its limitations, the LASS model provides a valuable lens through which to understand the social dimensions of language acquisition.

The Language Acquisition Support System (LASS)

Concept Map

Summary

Outline

The Language Acquisition Support System (LASS)