Theories of Communication and Language Acquisition

Theories of Communication and Language Acquisition Natalie Ulugà ¼n Introduction What is communication? According to Buckley ( ) communication is the delivery of information from one person to another whereby the intended meaning is understood. Communication is a multi-faceted feature that enables humans to identify with their own socio-emotional world and its relation to others. Communication requires motivation and auditory processing ability. Moreover, the ability to understand and convey messages both verbally and non-verbally use sensori-motor skills. Buckley ( ) suggests communication skills normally develop from birth through early maternal interaction and evolve through the experience of play. However, communication is complex and relies on intrinsic and extrinsic factors for development this can result in some infants not developing the necessary skills for communication. This essay will discuss the processes involved in both the development and deficiency of communication skills in young children and it’s effect on their emotional and cognitive development. Particular significance to the role of play in in this development will be outlined and evaluated. The ability to communicate effectively is essential to human social interaction. Furthermore, communication skills provide the basis for successful edification, relationships and the participation in the wider community (miller et al). The two modes of communication are verbal and non-verbal. Bruce (2005) suggests up to 85% of our communication is non-verbal which includes all non-spoken means of communication such as gestures, body language, expression and sign. Verbal communication uses spoken language to convey information. The human brain, central nervous system, physical articulators and ears are required to produce speech. If any one area has a deficit it will have an effect on speech development. According to Kahim(1998)cites (asha 1983) communication using language requires the comprehension of social interrelations. These can include complex modes such as motivation, tacit clues and social and cultural rules. Buckley () suggests language is a symbolic mode of communication governed by grammatical and social rules .These rules not only encompass semantics, syntax and phonology but also the contextual considerations of language such as sarcasm, politeness strategies referred to as pragmatics (Bloom and Lahey 1978). In view of such intricacies de Boysson-Bardies( 1999) affirms the acquisition of language must be genetically encoded and exclusive to human beings. This is a nativist approach to language acquisition which was embraced by Noam Chomsky. Theories of language acquisition Chomsky (1959) proposed that children have an innate ability to learn language through a language acquisition device. According to Chomsky (1965) the brain is hard wired through genomes to understand a spoken language. He suggests the L.A.D is situated within the auditory cortex. It has also been suggested by Lenneberg (1967) that if language is not acquired by puberty it can never be learnt. This suggests that the ability to learn languages is genetically acquired through synapse connection in the brain and furthermore has a critical period to stimulate its development (Schwartz 2009). The interactionist approach suggests language acquisition is a process influenced by environmental and nativist elements. Vygotsky and Bruner held the view that a child needs interaction with others to support language learning. This is known as LASS Language acquisition support system. Conversely traditional behaviourist’s theory of language acquisition suggests children acquire language through conditions and reinforcement. This is evidenced through observation of a new-born and mother. The new born’s motivation for communication is rewarded by the mother’s interaction. Crystal (1986) argues that children do not simply imitate adults or older children when acquiring language; this is evidenced by the immature and incomplete speech that children develop as a result of applying grammatical rules or possessing inadequate vocabulary. This is evidenced in the following case studies.   The processes involved in development of effective communication Verbal and non verbal language development Primarily, early communication is an expression of need ( Crystal). If an infant’s pre-linguistic vocalisations are rewarded by their needs being met they quickly learn the advantages of communication. Furthermore, an infant needs a warm and affectionate relationship with their caregiver in order to initiate communication. Ferroni et al (2002) demonstrated that early non-verbal communication such as eye gazing contributes to the development of facial decoding and the theory of mind. Theory of mind is a cognitive ability to decode nonverbal communication, deduce the emotional states of others using intuition and cues, as well as understanding a situation from different perspectives. According to Goldberg and Burdick( ) Theory of Mind deficits are caused by cognitive dysfunction and are present in neuropsychological conditions such as Bipolar euthymic and ASD spectrum disorders. This suggests a correlation between nonverbal communication impairment and future social cognitive de velopment. Nonverbal communication continues to develop alongside verbal communication in neurotypical children. According to Elks and McLachlan (2001) the most important process in verbal communication is concentration, listening skills and memory recall. From four months a baby develops strength in their tongue and the in excess of one hundred jaw muscles needed to produce phonology. (Crystal ) begin babbling, the head and neck growth allow vocal chords to sit in correct position for speech consistant with an adult . This suggest there is a biological reason why a baby does not produce speech until ten months. 10-12 months According to ( Volkmar) (Capone )as a child begins using gestures and pointing to objects they will acquire the symbolic language that represents the object however this is not always the case for children diagnosed with ASD. According to Baron- Cohen () young children diagnosed with ASD do not use pointing gesture to request visual attention in the same manner as neurotypical children, inasmuch as a child with ASD can lack motivation for conversation. Communication chain Elks and McLachlen (2008) highlight the complexity of language and communication by categorising the processes in sequential order; this is referred to as the Communication Chain. The metaphoric chain depicts the interdependence of each process involved in order to achieve effective communication. If there is a deficiency in any of these processes it will have an overall negative effect upon language acquisition and communication. The process begins with the motivation or reason to speak followed by choosing the correct semantics, syntax and phonology. The next stage involves the physicality of speech production, motor sensory instructions to the articulators which include the muscles, jaw and tongue. The production of sound then the delivery of pragmatic speech. Interestingly, the mindfulness or â€Å"self monitoring â€Å"of the appropriateness of the speech occurs after delivery. Thus implying that to self-monitor before you have an idea does not take place although it does prio r to a response. Children diagnosed with ASD often have a deficit in understanding pragmatics of a language and can appear rude or their conversation inappropriate (Buckley). According to Volkmar et al ( )they equally lack ability to self-monitor, maintain eye contact and understand non-verbal cues which are the next phases; this is a substantial part of the communication chain. Role of play in language development According to Russell (2006) philosophers and scholars have attempted theorise play and provide definitions. The example by Hugh (1996:16) expresses the fundamental elements of play; â€Å"†¦freely chosen, personally directed and intrinsically motivated.† Frost et al (2005) suggests psychoanalytical theories of play involve a child acting out previous experiences that may have been caused trauma or fear. Or perhaps an emotion that would not be ordinarily accepted. Other theories of play here The EYFS Statutory framework (2008 suggested that play is vital to a child’s development; play should be supported by adults but led by the child thus promoting self-confidence, problem solving and social skills. Goouch (2006) adds, child led play promotes self-esteem and reinforces a child’s identity particulary the imaginary play. According to ( )play supports children to understand speech. Williamson and Silvern (1984) suggests when young children act out a story they demonstrate improved memory and comprehension of the story ( ) suggests language impairment and deficits in imaginary play occur concomitantly. Hughs (2010) notes the similarities between language development and play inasmuch as the required skills for imaginary or symbolic play are likened to the ability to interpret the world through mental representation. Observations were made of a young child actively playing alone commenting on his play activity. Vygotsky, cited in Britton (1994:260) refers to this as â€Å"Speech for oneself†. This gradually diminishes as the child ages and eventually this process becomes internal thought. This process of internalised language is essential for problem solving, reasoning and abstract thinking skills. Concluding that the inability to internalise language would have a negative impact on cognitive development (Miller et al 2013 ). According to Buckley () adult interaction is essential to develop language skills particularly reciprocal conversation aimed at the level of the child’s ability such as motherese or child directed speech. Evidence for ( ) suggest the pauses and intonation of motherese assists children to understand language syntactically .Somoa argues there is no difference in language aquistion in families not practising parentese ( the east) . A child’s socio-emotional development depends on their command of language (Miller). Early infant and carer interaction is essential for all areas of a child’s development. As a child’s language develops they go from talking in the present tense and progressively to the past and future tense. Piaget suggests that not until a child has learned the concept of time will this be displayed within their language use. Conclusion Whitehead (2006) suggests that early skills for communication begin inutero .Evidence from ( ) argue that babies prefer the mothers face and voice, Infants gaze into their carers eyes from ? weeks they will then overt eye contact to cease communication . Someone ( ) attributes the lack of communication in children with ASD to their lack of proficiency in play, particularly for imaginary play. Vygotsky () theorised that play was significant to language and cognitive development. Vygotsky () argues it is necessary for a more knowledgeable other to confirm the correct language use. Piaget theorised that the acquisition of language has a direct correlation on a child’s cognitive development. According to Piaget an infant will not apply nouns to objects until he has reached the cognitive ability of object permanence.. Not until a child reaches the pre operational stage ( About 2) two will they understand the world around them by the use of language and speech.

The Injustice of Slavery: A Peoples Resistance Essay -- Slavery Essays

The Injustice of Slavery: A people’s resistance   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The history of the United States is filled to the brim with an abundance of significant events. Over the course of this nation’s young history there have been numerous social institutions. Many have been a necessity in our development. However, the US was home to one of the greatest atrocities committed on mankind. The institution of slavery is not only the most embarrassing but most sever infraction on the natural rights of man. At times there were in excess of three million black Americans enslaved in this country. It was not the dismal living conditions nor the bleak existence they lived that led them into a resistance of slavery. It was the theft, the unlawful striping of their right to life, liberty, and happiness that justly encouraged their resistance. The dehumanization of the black population in the US during the 19th century was a gross moral departure from the so called equality our nation has always strived for.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  No true American can find any sort of conflict in sharing the opinions of our forefathers. The US has its foundation built in the words of the Declaration of Independence. We live in a nation where â€Å"all men are created equal, and endowed by their creator with certain inalienable rights-among which are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.† In supporting slavery, masters dehumanized themselves and denounced the goals of America. A natural righ...

Hello Guys It’s Sports Day

I feel it a great pleasure to participate as Chief Guest in the 20th Annual-cum-Sports Day of Akal Academy Baru Sahib here today. Today’s world is very competitive. Mere education will not suffice. Education combined with good, moral character and knowledge with proficiency in sports and extra curricular activities is necessary. Education ignites the minds of youth and it should be knowledge-based and should kindle the thinking process in the youth. Educating more and more rural youth is essential. It should reach the unreached. Qualitative improvement in education suited to the changing scenario is warranted.Education is a continuous process and starts right from childhood and gradually makes one a leader. It is he teacher who nurtures good conduct and character amongst students. Real education moulds the youth into useful citizens of tomorrow. Inculcating discipline and moral values in the students are necessary. The onerous responsibility of shaping the youth rests with the teachers. The teachers should stand as role models for the students. The teachers are like Gurus and are next to God. The Gurukul form of education was prevalent in earlier days.There were lot of restrictions on students and strict discipline was maintained. The Gurus were above all in the society and they received great respect. Now the residential schools provide various avenues for learning. All subjects are taught and students are involved in various extra curricular activities also. Sports is recreation and the joy of participation, developing skills, regular practice and hard work that makes one to excel in sports. Taking to extra curricular activities is a must for students. It helps one to develop good physique, reduces stress and develops the quality of team spirit.Learning self-confidence, goal-setting and time management are the necessary for a sports person. Concentrate on sports. Rigorous practice and dedication will help you to win laurels to your institution, state a nd the nation. The physical education teachers and the educational institutions should take it as their bounden duty to identify talents from the students and put them to special coaching. Starting of exclusive sports schools as in US and UK should also be considered. I am sure that by starting sports schools, we can produce many talented sportspersons, who can compete at the global level and in Olympics.I am sure that the Kalgidhar Trust/Society would formulate plans to further improve sports in this complex. I congratulate all the students who have won prizes in various events. Sant Attar Singh Ji and Sant Teja Singh Ji were both extremely dedicated persons. Sant Attar Singh founded many educational institutions in rural areas in Punjab and also Akal College, Mastuana. He sent Sant Teja Singh to foreign countries for higher education and learning and after coming back he dedicated his life for imparting quality education to the needy. This institution was also started according to their wishes.My mother told me that Sant Ji used to perform Kirtan in a loud voice, which could be heard half a mile away as there were no loud-speakers in those days. He was invited to lay the foundation of the Hindu University, Banaras by Pandit Madan Mohan Malavia. This place is blessed by such great saints and that is why the Baru Sahib Academy, which was started in 1986 with just 5 students, now has strength of 23,000 students studying in its 22 CBSE affiliated Secondary schools. I congratulate the Akal Academies established by The Kalgidhar Trust for yeoman service to the society and to the spread of education.It is heartening to note that the Kalgidhar Trust and the Society are working with a mission to establish a permanent peace in the world through the synthesis of value-based scientific education and moral rejuvenation creating good global citizens. Guru Nanak Dev Ji was a great enlightener and a teacher. Guru Nanak’s concern with the right conduct of individuals and society and social responsibilities, is of universal significance. The educational institutions and the teachers are bestowed with the responsibility of producing students with good conduct and character.Service to poor is service to God. I am pleased to learn that The Kalgidhar Trust, a non-profit charitable organization has dedicated itself in the promotion of quality education and in creation of future citizens with good conduct and character and committed towards society. The services rendered by the Kalgidhar Trust/Society towards spiritual upliftment of the underprivileged and in primary health care in rural areas in North India and its dedication towards upliftment of the socio-economic status of rural poor is laudable.Health is the prime wealth for a nation and various welfare schemes are implemented by the Central and State Governments to take care of the health of the people. NGOs provide a helping hand in providing healthcare and in creation of awareness on health and hygiene. I congratulate the Kalgidhar Trust & Society for its dedicated efforts to improve basic healthcare through better immunization, child and maternal healthcare, establishing de-addiction centers and by taking out preventive and curative measures to control diseases and for working with a mission to provide healthcare to the underprivileged.The services rendered by the Trust to HIV and AIDS affected persons, through ‘One Stop Centers’ is laudable. A nation develops when there is explosion of knowledge and by development of education. As students, your contribution is vital. Aim high in life. Set your goals. Work hard to achieve them. This is what your parents, your teachers and the institution expect from you.I am pleased to learn that the Kalgidhar Trust and Society’s vision is to create high caliber students with all-round excellence, beyond academic dimensions and to provide more such students and to enable the underprivileged to attain this distinction . I convey my warm felicitations to Baba Iqbal Singh Ji, Dr. Khem Singh, who are experts in their own fields and to all the office-bearers and members of the Kalgidhar Trust and Society, the principal, teachers, staff and students on the 20th Annual-cum-Sports Day and wish The Kalgidhar Trust and Akal Academy all success in its endeavors. Jai Hind

Hca/240 Blood Disorders - 893 Words

Blood Disorders Elizabeth Martinez HCA/240 December 19, 2010 Melvina Brandau Some blood disorders can be prevented while there are others that are out of a person’s hands and have to live with a blood disorder for a life time. It is essential to know the causes of hereditary disease and know how to treat them. It is also important to know what can be done to â€Å"cure† other blood disorders and what preventive measures need to be taken in order to stop history from repeating itself. Iron deficiency anemia, sickle cell anemia, and purpura simplex are just a few blood disorders that people suffer from that are either inherited or can be prevented. Iron deficiency anemia, one of the most common types of anemia, is a blood disorder where†¦show more content†¦A way to improve the quality of life while living with sickle cell anemia is to drink plenty of fluid and get plenty of rest (WebMD, 2010). Purpura simplex is a blood disorder that causes easy bruising (Mulvihill et al., 2006). The reason for this disease is unknown and is thought to be hereditary (Mulvihill et al., 2006). Two test are used to determine if a person has purpura simplex, a platelet test and a blood clotting test (WrongDiagnosis, 2010). The treatment that is usually prescribed to patients with purpura simplex is bed rest and avoid anything with aspirin (WrongDiagnosis, 2010). No type of disorder is anything to play with or joke about. Being informed about certain disease is important for any person to know in case they are ever to experience these disease in that life time. Whether the disease is hereditary or not, every person is entitled to know what can be done to be treat the disease or what can be done to prevent it. References HealthCentral Network. (2010). Iron deficiency anemia. Retrieved from http://www.healthcentral.com/ency/408/000584.html Mulvihill, M. L., Zelman, M., Holdaway, P., Tompary, E., amp; Raymond, J. (2006). Human diseases: A systemic approach (6th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall WebMD. (2010). Sickle cell disease symptoms, causes, treatments. Retrieved fromShow MoreRelatedBlood Disorders1013 Words   |  5 Pages Blood Disorders Amanda Swindell HCA/240 August 9, 2015 Dr. Monica Chase Blood Disorders Blood is one of the most essential elements within the body. Blood is made up of plasma, red blood cells, and platelets. Blood is vital to the body functioning correctly, and it is important to understand that there are many types of blood disorders that can cause people to get sick. While there are many different types of blood disorders out there, this paper is going to cover three which are, anemia, sickleRead MoreHow Blood And The Body Is Made Up Of Many Different Components876 Words   |  4 PagesBlood Disorders Natasha Hurndon HCA/240 Janet Jowitt October 13, 2014 The blood in the body is made up of many different components. The components of the blood include red blood cells, plasma, and platelets, each having a specific function. In this paper I will explain the difference between the three and the specific function they carry out within the human body, as well as how the relate to the scenarios in this week’s assignment. Red blood cells are the most needed of the threeRead MoreBipolar Disorder1485 Words   |  6 PagesBipolar Disorder HCA/240 Toni Black Andrew Bertrand 11/21/2010 What is Bipolar Disorder? Bipolar disorder, is also known as manic-depressive illness, this is a brain disorder that causes unusual mood swings, energy levels are either up or down and your ability to function a normal everyday life would be a challenge to these individuals with this mental illness. The normal ups and downs that people experience who doesn’t have bipolar disorder is relatively different because withRead MoreBipolar Disorder2082 Words   |  9 PagesBipolar Disorder Heather McLean HCA/240 Maryam Pirnazar 4/14/2013 Introduction Bipolar disorder is a brain disorder it can cause shifts in moods, activity level, energy, and also the ability to due day-to-day tasks. It is also commonly known as manic- depressive illness. This disorder is one of the oldest illnesses that is known. It is one of the first noticed that goes as far back and the second century. The first person that recognized the some of the symptoms