development

  Language: Its Importance and Role in Human Learning

Please use only the Required Readings and videos below:

· Hoff (2014): Ch 1 (pp. 3-29 ); Ch. 2 (pp. 31-37; 40-70)

· Khan, S.  Collective Learning . (video; 13:17). 

· Kuhl, P.  The Linguistic Genius of Babies . (video; 10:03). 

· Gopnik, A.   What do Babies Think?.  (video; 18:15).

· Feral Children .  The Gale Encyclopedia of Psychology, pp. 246-247.

· ApolloEight Genesis.  Genie Wiley: A TLC Documentary.  (video; 12:26).

Assignment 1 - 3 pages 

In this paper, you will revisit the theories of language development from your readings, videos, and your post, and do the following:

1.  Discuss and apply one theory to explain how humans learn language. Use the heading “______ Theory” (with the theory you choose)

· Your choice of theories comes from Hoff – see chart on p. 20 

· In this section you will define and explain the theory based on course readings and apply that theory to show how it explains our language acquisition and development.  You should be citing Hoff as well as Kuhl and Gopnik in this section.  

2.  Use the following questions and the heading “Language” to discuss the importance of language in the capability of humans to learn:

· How does language set humans apart from other species?  (Hoff discusses this beginning on p. 58. You will also refer to Khan here as well)

· What role do you feel language plays in human learning? ? Discuss using Hoff and Khan

· Do humans need language to learn? Why or why not? Discuss the Feral children (video and Hoff) for this question and to support your opinions.  

3. Discuss the role of research in this field and how it has contributed to what we know about language development. Discuss specific studies mentioned in your readings and videos for this module. 

This video in particular should be of assistance with answering some of these questions:

Khan Academy -  Collective Learning   

Note:  Your paper should be in your words.  Please do not rely on long quotes to explain concept.

Your paper is expected to be well written and organized, include a reference list when appropriate (in APA format), use proper sentence structure and spellchecked. Be sure to cite any and all sources correctly.

Your readings this week were focused on language. You read about theories of language development, how language research is conducted, the impact of isolation on language development, and the impact of a second language. There is much to discuss in this module - almost too much! This discussion will have two parts - one will have you responding to specific prompts, and the other will ask you to theorize and brainstorm. Make sure to watch these videos and read the following article as well.

Assignment 2

In your post, please  respond to  both Parts I and II.

Part I (200 words)

· First, explain what it means to acquire a language (see Hoff, chapter 1)? 

· Next, Identify two theories of language development that stood out to you and explain them in your own words.  

· How did isolation impact the language abilities of the 'wild child' cases?

· Analyze your theories with regard to how they help explain language acquisition in babies.  

Part II: (100 words)

· Think about the research discussed in your readings, and the studies shown in the videos.  If you were to conduct a study on language acquisition in babies, which theory would inform your research?  What would your research investigate?