Free English Language Dissertations - Outline Some Of The Functions Of Language For The Child And Comment On How
Outline some of the functions of language for the child and comment on how language can be said to be a social instrument
Throughout history, languageits origins, diversity, and dynamic naturehas fascinated scholars. Indeed, their fascination has even been preservedjust as most historical records have beenthanks to language itself. Undoubtedly, in language humans have their ultimate means of communication (Whitehead 1996). From the moment they are born, babies seem to want to communicate. This communication involves facial expressions, gestures and body language and verbal and sign language. Language of all kinds uses an agreed code which develops according to the cultures in which they arise (Pinker 1994). The rhythms, tone and melody of language are of great importance as language develops. The gestures and movements of the face and hands are also extremely important and are all part of the conventional symbols of that particular culture (Whitting 1992).
The child learns to speak slowly through observation. Somebody makes a special sound when something comes into sight or makes this noise, or when the baby sees it and looks at it. Then he will make the same noise himself, and the sound has been found to have an effect. The infant gradually learns that particular sounds are intimately connected with certain objects, and that making that sound seems to control it in some way (Barnes 1995). He finds assistance in learning to talk through the observation made by his other senses and further help is derived from the people around him. Through language he is being accepted into society very gradually. It is by communicating his own thoughts, or acknowledging those of others, that he is regarded as making a contribution and of being on equal footing with those around him.
There is much debate whether we are born with the skills and abilities necessary for speech or whether we develop them because of our environment. This is often referred to as the nature versus nurture debate (Barnes 1998). There are several theories of how babies and children acquire language. Some are based on the idea that learning a language is an instinct and others that children learn to communicate because they are exposed to language as part of a process of socialisation (Pinkers 1994). There is no doubt that children are born with a predisposition to learn, talk and listen. Children learn to talk partly because they are born genetically equipped to do so, and partly through the people they meet and communicate and socialise with. So what exactly are some of the functions of language for the child?
The positive relationships and communications between people who respect each other is one of the most important factors in language development and in the development of the child’s thinking. To be part of a culture is a need human beings are born with (Barnes 1998).
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