First Language Acquisition: A Journey into Native Language Learning

Question 1

Which theory suggests that humans are born with a natural ability to learn language?

Accepted Answer

Nativism

Answer

Behaviorism

Question 2

How does Piaget's theory of cognitive development relate to children's language acquisition?

Accepted Answer

Piaget's theory suggests that language development is closely tied to overall cognitive development.

Answer

Piaget's theory provides a specific timeline for language acquisition milestones at each cognitive stage.

Answer

Piaget's theory emphasizes social interactions as the primary driver of language development, with cognitive development playing a minor role.

Answer

Piaget's theory is not relevant to the study of first language acquisition.

Question 3

Which of the following is NOT a key theory in the study of first language acquisition?

Accepted Answer

Social constructivism

Answer

Behaviorism

Answer

Nativism

Answer

Cognitivism

Question 4

What is the term for the innate ability of humans to acquire language, as proposed by Noam Chomsky?

Accepted Answer

Language Acquisition Device

Answer

Universal Grammar

Answer

Critical Period Hypothesis

Answer

Input Hypothesis

Question 5

According to the Input Hypothesis, proposed by Stephen Krashen, which type of language input is most beneficial for successful first language acquisition?

Accepted Answer

Comprehensible input

Answer

Simplified input

Answer

Corrected input

Answer

Immersive input

Question 6

What is the gradual process by which infants begin to produce speech sounds referred to as?

Accepted Answer

Phonological development

Answer

Semantic development

Answer

Pragmatic development

Answer

Morphological development

Question 7

What is the term for the rule-governed system that speakers and listeners of a language use to combine words into meaningful sentences?

Accepted Answer

Syntax

Answer

Morphology

Answer

Semantics

Answer

Pragmatics

Question 8

What is the term for the use of language to accomplish specific goals or convey social meanings?

Accepted Answer

Pragmatics

Answer

Semantics

Answer

Syntax

Answer

Morphology

Question 9

According to the nativist theory, what is the primary factor enabling language learning?

Accepted Answer

Innate ability

Answer

Social interaction

Answer

Cognitive development

Answer

Cultural transmission

Question 10

Which of the following is NOT a typical stage in the process of first language acquisition?

Accepted Answer

Phonological awareness

Answer

Cooing

Answer

Holophrastic speech

Answer

Telegraphic speech

Question 11

Which research method is commonly used to study language acquisition across an extended period?

Accepted Answer

Longitudinal studies

Answer

Cross-sectional studies

Answer

Observational studies

Answer

Experimental studies

Question 12

According to which theory of language acquisition do children primarily learn language through reinforcement and imitation?

Accepted Answer

Behaviourist theory

Answer

Innate language acquisition device theory

Answer

Social interaction theory

Answer

Cognitive processing theory

Question 13

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of child-directed speech?

Accepted Answer

Use of complex and formal language

Answer

Simplified vocabulary and grammar

Answer

Repetition and exaggeration

Answer

Frequent use of questions

Question 14

The process of mapping sounds to meaning in language is known as:

Accepted Answer

Semantic development

Answer

Phonological development

Answer

Morphological development

Answer

Syntactic development

Question 15

The term 'motherese' refers to:

Accepted Answer

The simplified and exaggerated form of speech used by caregivers when talking to infants

Answer

The innate language acquisition device that all children possess

Answer

The theory that language acquisition is primarily driven by social interaction

Answer

The process of learning a second language after acquiring a first language

Question 16

The process by which children develop an understanding of the rules of grammar is called:

Accepted Answer

Syntactic acquisition

Answer

Morphological acquisition

Answer

Semantic acquisition

Answer

Pragmatic acquisition

Question 17

How do sociocultural factors, like family and community, shape a child's first language learning?

Accepted Answer

They offer language examples and correct mistakes.

Answer

They set the language's sounds.

Answer

They limit the child's language exposure.

Answer

They teach grammar rules directly.

Question 18

Which cognitive ability is critical for first language acquisition?

Accepted Answer

Memory capacity

Answer

Sustained attention

Answer

Problem-solving skills

Answer

Language comprehension

Question 19

The initial phase of language acquisition where infants learn their native language's sound system is termed:

Accepted Answer

Phonological development

Answer

Morphological development

Answer

Semantic development

Answer

Pragmatic development

Question 20

The theory that emphasizes innate language learning abilities is referred to as:

Accepted Answer

Nativist theory

Answer

Behaviorist theory

Answer

Cognitive theory

Answer

Social interactionist theory

Question 21

The ability to use language effectively in social contexts is known as:

Accepted Answer

Pragmatics

Answer

Semantics

Answer

Syntax

Answer

Phonology

Question 22

Which of the following is an example of a cross-linguistic study in first language acquisition?

Accepted Answer

Comparing language learning patterns across cultures

Answer

Analyzing language development in a specific child's context

Answer

Investigating the impact of environment on language acquisition

Answer

Examining the history of a language's evolution

Question 23

The gradual process by which children develop an understanding of their native language's rules and conventions is referred to as:

Accepted Answer

Metalinguistic awareness

Answer

Phonological awareness

Answer

Morphological awareness

Answer

Syntactic awareness

Question 24

Which factor does NOT directly impact individual differences in first language acquisition?

Accepted Answer

Parental income

Answer

Temperament

Answer

Cognitive abilities

Answer

Learning styles

Question 25

In the study of first language acquisition, evaluate the advantages and limitations of naturalistic observation and experimental research methods.

Accepted Answer

Naturalistic observation offers real-world insights but lacks control and may be biased.

Accepted Answer

Experimental methods provide controlled conditions but may not fully represent natural language acquisition.

Answer

Both methods are equally effective in studying first language acquisition.

Question 26

What is the term used to describe the innate capacity of humans to acquire and develop language?

Accepted Answer

Language acquisition device (LAD)

Answer

Language proficiency scale

Answer

Critical period hypothesis

Answer

Universal grammar theory

Question 27

What is the term for the process by which children learn to use language effectively in social contexts, including understanding social cues and using appropriate language forms?

Accepted Answer

Pragmatic competence

Answer

Semantic development

Answer

Lexical acquisition

Answer

Morphological development

Question 28

According to the critical period hypothesis, which of the following statements is accurate?

Accepted Answer

Language acquisition is primarily possible only during a specific period in childhood.

Answer

The critical period applies equally to both first and second language acquisition.

Answer

The critical period hypothesis has been definitively proven across all languages.

Answer

The critical period hypothesis is universally accepted in linguistic anthropology.

Question 29

Which linguistic feature is typically acquired first by children during language development?

Accepted Answer

Phonology (sound system of language)

Answer

Morphology (word structure and formation)

Answer

Syntax (sentence structure and grammar)

Answer

Semantics (meaning of words and phrases)

Question 30

When is the 'critical period' for first language acquisition generally believed to occur?

Accepted Answer

12 months to 6 years

Answer

Birth to 12 months

Answer

6 years to 12 years

Answer

12 years to 18 years

Question 31

According to the nativist perspective, what is the primary mechanism for acquiring a first language?

Accepted Answer

Genetic predisposition

Answer

Social interaction

Answer

Cognitive development

Answer

Environmental factors

Question 32

What is a key skill developed during the pre-linguistic phase of first language acquisition?

Accepted Answer

Gesture recognition

Answer

Word comprehension

Answer

Phonological awareness

Answer

Turn-taking in conversations

Question 33

First language acquisition is a passive process that solely involves exposure to language. True or False?

Accepted Answer

False

Answer

True

Question 34

The Universal Grammar theory suggests that humans are innately equipped to:

Accepted Answer

Produce grammatically correct sentences

Answer

Understand any language

Answer

Acquire any language rapidly

Answer

Encode meanings into words

Question 35

Which research method involves observing children's spontaneous speech in their natural environment?

Accepted Answer

Naturalistic observation

Answer

Clinical interviews

Answer

Experimental studies

Answer

Longitudinal studies

Question 36

According to the Interactionist Approach, language acquisition is believed to result from:

Accepted Answer

An interaction of innate abilities and environmental input

Answer

Innate abilities alone

Answer

Environmental input alone

Answer

Primarily social interaction

Question 37

Which characteristic is typically observed during early stages of language development?

Accepted Answer

Telegraphic speech

Answer

Complex sentence structures

Answer

Extensive vocabulary

Answer

Formal diction

Question 38

The phenomenon where children overgeneralize linguistic rules, leading to errors, is known as:

Accepted Answer

Morphological overregularization

Answer

Pragmatic overextension

Answer

Semantic overgeneralization

Answer

Syntactic overextension

Question 39

A major challenge faced by children learning a second language is:

Accepted Answer

Interference from their first language

Answer

Lack of exposure to native speakers

Answer

Limited cognitive abilities

Answer

Insufficient motivation

Question 40

The concept of scaffolding in language acquisition emphasizes:

Accepted Answer

Providing support and guidance to facilitate learning

Answer

Exposing learners solely to complex language

Answer

Encouraging independent exploration without assistance

Answer

Assessing learners' progress without providing support

Question 41

The ability to interpret language beyond its literal meaning is referred to as:

Accepted Answer

Pragmatics

Answer

Syntax

Answer

Semantics

Answer

Phonology

Question 42

How can research on first language acquisition help us develop effective language interventions for children with language disorders?

Accepted Answer

By identifying typical language development stages and potential deviations in children with language disorders.

Answer

By providing a direct model for teaching language in the classroom.

Answer

By suggesting that language disorders are solely caused by environmental factors.

Answer

By providing no useful information for language intervention strategies.

Question 43

In research on first language acquisition, which ethical consideration is crucial?

Accepted Answer

Getting informed consent from children before collecting data

Answer

Only using observational methods to avoid affecting children's language development

Answer

Putting the researcher's interests ahead of the child's well-being

Question 44

Which of the following is a key cognitive factor that plays a crucial role in first language acquisition?

Accepted Answer

Phonological awareness

Answer

Motor coordination

Answer

Exceptional mathematical ability

Answer

Advanced social development

Question 45

According to the nativist theory of first language acquisition, what is considered the primary source of our innate capacity for language learning?

Accepted Answer

Innate language acquisition device

Answer

Social interaction and cultural immersion

Answer

Language exposure and environmental input

Answer

Strong cognitive development and logical reasoning

Question 46

Child-directed speech (CDS) is a type of speech that is specifically tailored to young children. Which of the following is a characteristic of child-directed speech?

Accepted Answer

Simplified syntax and shorter sentences

Answer

Formal register and complex vocabulary

Answer

Extensive use of jargon and slang

Question 47

What is the term for the process by which children begin to produce novel and creative language combinations, demonstrating their ability to use language beyond memorized phrases?

Accepted Answer

Generativity

Answer

Overgeneralization

Answer

Fast mapping

Answer

Imitation

Question 48

Which of the following is a potential cognitive advantage associated with bilingualism in first language acquisition?

Accepted Answer

Enhanced cognitive flexibility

Answer

Impaired social skills

Answer

Delayed vocabulary development

Answer

Reduced grammatical accuracy

Question 49

What is the name of the research method that involves observing and recording children's spontaneous speech in natural settings to study language acquisition?

Accepted Answer

Naturalistic observation

Answer

Controlled experiment

Answer

Case study

Answer

Longitudinal study

Question 50

What is the term for the process by which children learn the meaning of words by associating them with their surrounding contexts and situations?

Accepted Answer

Fast mapping

Answer

Incidental learning

Answer

Morphological analysis

Question 51

Which of the following is a potential challenge that children may face when acquiring a second language in addition to their first language?

Accepted Answer

Language interference

Answer

Improved social skills and cultural understanding

Answer

Enhanced cognitive skills and academic performance

Answer

Increased vocabulary in both languages

Question 52

What is the name of the critical period hypothesis in first language acquisition, which suggests that there is an optimal time frame for language learning beyond which it becomes significantly more difficult?

Accepted Answer

Lenneberg's hypothesis

Answer

Brown's hypothesis

Answer

Pinker's hypothesis

Answer

Chomsky's hypothesis