Scribd
Upload
60 views

Language Culture Development

Cultural experiences can influence a child's language development in several ways: While the basic sequence of language learning is the same across cultures, the specific milestones may be reached at different stages. Cultural differences are also seen in how concepts are expressed linguistically, such as whether one or multiple words are used to describe an idea. Additionally, language may be used and instructed pragmatically different between cultures, like verbal instruction in some cultures versus nonverbal in others. However, studies have also found that socioeconomic factors often have a greater impact on language development than culture alone. Vygotsky's theory was that culture shapes language development through its unique values, beliefs, and intellectual tools used within social interactions.

Uploaded by

Sheila Mae Paltep
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
60 views

Language Culture Development

Cultural experiences can influence a child's language development in several ways: While the basic sequence of language learning is the same across cultures, the specific milestones may be reached at different stages. Cultural differences are also seen in how concepts are expressed linguistically, such as whether one or multiple words are used to describe an idea. Additionally, language may be used and instructed pragmatically different between cultures, like verbal instruction in some cultures versus nonverbal in others. However, studies have also found that socioeconomic factors often have a greater impact on language development than culture alone. Vygotsky's theory was that culture shapes language development through its unique values, beliefs, and intellectual tools used within social interactions.

Uploaded by

Sheila Mae Paltep
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 2

How Does Culture Affect the

Language Development of a
Child?
Acquiring language skills is a natural part of children's development, so
parents will gradually notice changes in their child's ability to communicate
and express themselves. When and how children develop language skills is a
subject of interest to many professionals working in health, psychology and
education. The similarities and differences between the cultural experiences
of children and how these are reflected in the development of their language
skills is a specific area of focus for research.
Similarities in Language Development
According to Researcher Beth Maschinot, the language development of
children is increased the more adults communicate with them, regardless of
cultural experiences. Another similarity found in all children, in spite of their
culture, is the ability to recognize speech sounds and to learn language in a
sequence. However, although the sequence of learning is the same in all
cultures, the milestones may be reached at different stages.
Cultural Differences
Beverley Otto, for Education.com, writes about the various differences that
researchers have found when studying the language development of children
from different cultures. The differences in language between cultures are
evident when you compare how some countries use several words to describe
a concept and others use just one word to describe the same concept. This is
apparent from a young age. Otto goes on to identify ways in which language
is used pragmatically. For example, in American culture, children learn by
verbal instruction, whereas some other cultures learn by nonverbal instruction.
Ethnographic Studies
Ethnographic studies, when people are studied in their own social and cultural
contexts, have commonly found that it is factors other than culture that have
the greatest impact on language development. Erika Hoff studied and
compared the language development of children in China, the U.S. and
Europe. The conclusion of the study was that, in some ways, culture did
influence language development, although this was mainly because beliefs
and the language were different. The study showed that there was a greater
influence from socioeconomic factors.
Vygotsky's Theory
Writing for Simply Psychology, Saul McLeod looks at the work and theories of
Lev Vygotsky. Vygotsky's theory suggests that, although children are born
with the skills for language development, development is affected and shaped
by cultural and social experiences. The culture in which a person develops will
have its own values, beliefs and tools of intellectual adaptation. These all have
an effect on cognitive functions, including language development. Vygotsky
also believed that language is a result of social interactions and that language
is responsible for the development of thought.

You might also like