Special Topics in Developmental Psychology:Language Acquisition

Language Acquisition: How do children learn language? Infants and toddlers, not generally known for their intellectual prowess, are excellent language learners. Those of us who start learning a language in adulthood may never reach the level of attainment of the average 5-year-old, at least in some respects. Why is that? In this seminar, we will examine how language learning works in early childhood. Topics will include perceptual development, babbling and early talking, word learning, syntax, and second-language learning. Students will read and present primary source material.