First language learning / acquisition
First language learning / acquisition
1. Acquisition of a language involves
- Correct Answer: a. words, phrases and sentences are pronounced
- Explanation: Phonology deals with the sound system of a language, including how sounds are produced, combined, and used to distinguish meaning.
2. In the process of first language
- Correct Answer: b. holophrastic
- Explanation: The holophrastic stage is a crucial period in early language development where a single word is used to express a complete thought or sentence. For example, a child might say "milk" to mean "I want milk."
3. During the process of language
- Correct Answer: c. holophrastic
- Explanation: As explained in the previous answer, the holophrastic stage is characterized by using single words to convey complete ideas.
4. Holophrastic stage which occurs between
- Correct Answer: a. content
- Explanation: Childhood is often considered the "age of content" in language learning. Children primarily focus on acquiring vocabulary and meaning during this period.
5. Language learning tends to become less
- Correct Answer: b. the inhibitions inherent in the language acquisition process
- Explanation: While the other options (mental preoccupation, muscle flexibility decline, and lateralization) can pose challenges, the primary reason for decreased language learning efficiency in adulthood is not necessarily increased inhibitions.
6. Communicative competence deals with the
- Correct Answer: c. use
- Explanation: Communicative competence encompasses not just grammatical accuracy but also the ability to use language effectively and appropriately in real-world situations. It involves understanding and applying social and cultural norms in communication.
7. Children's first stage of the
- Correct Answer: a. use of "no" or "not" at the beginning of the expression
- Explanation: Children typically start expressing negation by simply placing "no" or "not" at the beginning of a sentence or phrase.
8. Empirical research over the last two
- Correct Answer: a. undirected
- Explanation: Undirected language learning refers to natural, informal learning that occurs in everyday life, without structured instruction. This contrasts with formal, classroom-based language learning.
9. According to Newmark, learning a
- Correct Answer: c. phrases
- Explanation: Newmark emphasizes the importance of learning language in chunks, which often refer to phrases or multi-word units. This approach recognizes that language is not simply a collection of individual words but a system of interconnected elements.
10. To the rationalists, the function of
- Correct Answer: d. shape his capacity for language
- Explanation: Rationalists believe that language acquisition is primarily driven by innate linguistic knowledge. They argue that exposure to language serves to activate and shape the child's pre-existing linguistic capacity.
11. The sentences "It is
- Correct Answer: a. functional load
- Explanation: Functional load refers to how frequently a particular linguistic form is used to distinguish meaning in a language. The two sentences differ in their functional load because they express the same meaning but use different grammatical structures.
12. All the followings are different
- Correct Answer: d. memorization
- Explanation: The associative, autonomous, and cognitive stages are commonly recognized stages in skill acquisition. Memorization, while a learning technique, is not typically considered a distinct stage in the overall skill acquisition process.
13. Interlangauge is said to be ...... in
- Correct Answer: a. developmental
- Explanation: Interlanguage refers to the dynamic and evolving system of language that second language learners develop. It is characterized by its developmental nature, constantly evolving as learners progress.
14. The principal difference between EFL
- Correct Answer: b. amount of natural exposure
- Explanation:
- EFL (English as a Foreign Language): Typically taught in a classroom setting, with limited exposure to the target language outside of the classroom.
- ESL (English as a Second Language): Learners are immersed in an English-speaking environment, providing ample opportunities for natural exposure to the language.
15. The process in which the left
- Correct Answer: c. lateralization
- Explanation: Lateralization refers to the specialization of brain functions, particularly language, in one hemisphere of the brain, typically the left hemisphere.
16. The psycholinguistic approach to
- Correct Answer: c. processes
- Explanation: Psycholinguistics focuses on the mental processes involved in language acquisition and use, such as perception, comprehension, production, and memory.
17. Psycholinguists deal with all of the
- Correct Answer: a. where language is stored and processed
- Explanation: Psycholinguists primarily investigate how language is processed and represented in the mind, not where it is physically stored.
18. Which of the following factors affects
- Correct Answer: b. The critical period
- Explanation: The critical period hypothesis suggests that there is a biologically determined time window for optimal language acquisition.
19. The relationship between
- Correct Answer: a. they are both processes
- Explanation: Both transmitting information and negotiating meaning are dynamic processes involved in communication.
20. Lateralization refers to ..........
- Correct Answer: b. the assignment of different faculties to different hemispheres of the brain
- Explanation: Lateralization describes the division of functions between the two hemispheres of the brain.
21. The first stage in the language
- Correct Answer: c. preparation stage
- Explanation: Before engaging in any language activity, there is typically a preparation stage where learners gather information, organize their thoughts, and mentally prepare for the task.
22. Current theory suggests that language
- Correct Answer: b. focused on language
- Explanation: Current theories of language acquisition emphasize the importance of subconscious, implicit learning. When learners are overly focused on the form of the language, it can hinder natural acquisition.
23. The process by which the brain retains
- Correct Answer: c. subsumption
- Explanation: Subsumption refers to the process of integrating new information into existing cognitive structures. In this case, the brain retains the meaning of the message while discarding the specific linguistic forms used to convey it.
24. The learning process in which new
- Correct Answer: b. subsumption
- Explanation: As mentioned earlier, subsumption is the process of connecting new knowledge to existing cognitive structures.
25. Large, complex units of knowledge that
- Correct Answer: c. schema
- Explanation: Schemata are mental frameworks or blueprints that organize our knowledge and experiences.
26. Children's advantage in learning
- Correct Answer: a. access to comprehensible input
- Explanation: Children are naturally exposed to a high amount of comprehensible input (language that is slightly above their current level) in their daily interactions, which significantly facilitates language acquisition.
27. The two types of knowledge stored in
- Correct Answer: c. declarative and procedural
- Explanation:
- Declarative knowledge: Factual knowledge, such as vocabulary and rules.
- Procedural knowledge: Knowledge of how to perform a skill, such as speaking or writing.
28. In the initial stages of language
- Correct Answer: a. using gestures
- Explanation: Gestures can provide valuable visual cues and help learners understand the meaning of spoken language, especially when vocabulary is limited.
29. One of the properties of LAD is the
- Correct Answer: a. distinguish speech sounds from other sounds
- Explanation: The Language Acquisition Device (LAD), a hypothetical innate mechanism proposed by Noam Chomsky, is believed to enable infants to perceive and process speech sounds.
30. The proponents of the nativist
- Correct Answer: a. language is a species-specific behavior
- Explanation: Nativists argue that language is a uniquely human capacity, suggesting an innate, biologically determined basis for language acquisition.
31. Parts of the language developed in a
- Correct Answer: c. peripheral grammar
- Explanation:
- Core grammar refers to the universal, innate aspects of language.
- Peripheral grammar refers to the language-specific rules and features that are acquired through interaction with the environment.
32. "People often remember the
- Correct Answer: b. obliterative forgetting
- Explanation: Obliterative forgetting suggests that the specific form of the message is lost, while the underlying meaning is retained.
33. According to Alderson's model of skill
- Correct Answer: b. marks the second stage of acquisition
- Explanation: In Alderson's model, the associative stage is the second stage of skill acquisition, following the cognitive stage.
34. In Selinker's cognitive approach,
- Correct Answer: b. is a system with a dynamic nature
- Explanation: Selinker's Interlanguage Hypothesis views interlanguage as a dynamic and evolving system with its own internal logic and rules.
35. A significant aspect of the pruning stage of forgetting is that
- Correct Answer: a. forgetting is systematic
- Explanation: The pruning stage of forgetting suggests that information that is not frequently used or reinforced is systematically eliminated from memory.
36. According to Anderson , which of the following is NOT a stage in
- Correct Answer: d. declarative
- Explanation: Anderson's model of skill acquisition includes three stages: cognitive, associative, and autonomous. Declarative knowledge is a type of knowledge, not a stage in skill acquisition.
37. The expression every cloud has a
- Correct Answer: b. proverb
- Explanation: A proverb is a short, well-known saying that expresses a general truth or piece of advice.
38. Which of the following functions
- Correct Answer: c. personal
- Explanation: The personal function of language focuses on expressing personal feelings, opinions, and experiences.
39. The effect of different habits on L2
- Correct Answer: a. negative transfer
- Explanation: Negative transfer occurs when previous learning interferes with the acquisition of new language.
40. Research has shown that a child in the
- Correct Answer: a. marked to unmarked
- Explanation: Children tend to acquire unmarked forms (more general or frequent forms) before marked forms (less frequent or more complex forms).
41. Schumann believes that ....... factors
- Correct Answer: d. social
- Explanation: Schumann's Acculturation Model emphasizes the importance of social and psychological factors in second language acquisition, arguing that successful acquisition is closely linked to the degree of social integration with the target language community.
42. Krashen theorizes that in unfavorable
- Correct Answer: b. affective filter
- Explanation: Krashen's Affective Filter Hypothesis proposes that emotional factors, such as anxiety and lack of motivation, can hinder language acquisition by creating a "mental block" that prevents learners from effectively processing input.
43. Bicerton (198X) made strong statements
- Correct Answer: b. critical period
- Explanation: Bickerton's work supports the critical period hypothesis, suggesting that there is a biologically determined time window for optimal language acquisition.
44. The one word stage of first language
- Correct Answer: b. holophrastic
- Explanation: As previously discussed, the holophrastic stage is characterized by the use of single words to express complete thoughts.
45. Which of the following is not a
- Correct Answer: d. textual
- Explanation: Macro-functions of language are broad categories of language use. Interpersonal, instrumental, and ideational are considered macro-functions. Textual refers to the linguistic features that create coherence and structure within a text.
46. The fact that human beings are
- Correct Answer: a. bioprogram
- Explanation: The bioprogram hypothesis suggests that humans possess an innate biological blueprint for language acquisition that guides the learning process.
47. .......... is the body of linguistic
- Correct Answer: c. Communicative competence
- Explanation: Communicative competence encompasses the knowledge and skills necessary for effective communication, including linguistic, sociolinguistic, and strategic competence.
48. A lot of experts believe that human
- Correct Answer: d. it is genetically programmed to handle information in predetermined ways.
- Explanation: The concept of the brain being "hardwired" suggests that it has innate, pre-existing structures and processes for processing information.
49. Rehearsal and elaboration of
- Correct Answer: b. short term
- Explanation: Rehearsal and elaboration are strategies used to maintain and strengthen information in short-term memory.
50. For longest retention and greatest
- Correct Answer: d. associated with previous knowledge
- Explanation: Connecting new information to existing knowledge enhances memory and retrieval by creating meaningful associations.
51. Bilingual instruction has been guided
- Correct Answer: d. academic language can take up to seven years to develop, even when a student has acquired fluent social language.
- Explanation: Research suggests that academic language, which is more complex and abstract, takes significantly longer to develop than social language.
52. The babbling stage ...........
- Correct Answer: b. is characterized by a variety of sounds
- Explanation: The babbling stage is characterized by the production of a wide range of sounds, including consonants and vowels.
53. The babbling period ...........
- Correct Answer: b. is only experienced by those children who can hear
- Explanation: Babbling is a crucial stage in language development, and it is essential for infants to be able to hear and produce sounds.
54. Babbling and the initial stage of
- Correct Answer: c. are definitely distinct
- Explanation: While related, babbling and the initial stage of talking are distinct phases. Babbling involves the production of sounds without specific meaning, while the initial stage of talking involves the use of meaningful words.
55. The holophrastic stage can be
- Correct Answer: c. used differently by different children
- Explanation: The duration of the holophrastic stage varies significantly among children.
56. The nursery words refer to the first
- Correct Answer: a. produced by almost all children in a great many languages
- Explanation: Nursery words are early words that are commonly acquired by children across different languages.
57. The syntactic development during the
- Correct Answer: b. uncertain
- Explanation: Syntactic development during the holophrastic stage is limited, as children primarily use single words to express their meaning.
58. Pivot words are the ones which
- Correct Answer: c. occur the most
- Explanation: Pivot words are highly frequent words that can be combined with other words to form simple phrases.
59. The .......... are the scholars who
- Correct Answer: c. empiricists
- Explanation: Empiricists believe that language learning is primarily driven by experience and observation, emphasizing the role of imitation and reinforcement.
60. According to the empiricists' theory, .......... is the basic process involved in language acquisition.
- Correct Answer: b. imitation
- Explanation: Empiricists view imitation as a fundamental mechanism in language learning, suggesting that children learn language by observing and imitating the speech of others.
61. The rationalist approach to the issues
- Correct Answer: b. are sometimes referred to as the same
- Explanation: The rationalist approach and the nativist view are often considered synonymous. Both emphasize the role of innate, pre-existing knowledge in language acquisition.
62. From the age of three months, children
- Correct Answer: a. cooing
- Explanation: The cooing stage is characterized by the production of vowel-like sounds, often accompanied by expressions of pleasure and discomfort.
63. The difference between
- Correct Answer: a. an unconscious process/ a conscious one
- Explanation:
- Acquisition: Refers to the unconscious, subconscious, and implicit process of language development, typically in natural, informal settings.
- Learning: Involves conscious, explicit instruction and effort, often in formal settings.
64. During the .......... stage, a single
- Correct Answer: c. holophrastic
- Explanation: As previously discussed, the holophrastic stage is characterized by the use of single words to express complete thoughts or sentences.
65. The characteristically simplified
- Correct Answer: b. caretaker speech
- Explanation: Caretaker speech refers to the simplified and modified speech style that adults and caregivers use when interacting with young children.
66. The first recognizable sounds produced
- Correct Answer: a. cooing
- Explanation: Cooing involves the production of vowel-like sounds, which are the first recognizable sounds produced by infants.
67. In the process of first language
- Correct Answer: c. the use of wh-forms along with a rising intonation
- Explanation: Initially, children often express questions by using wh-words (who, what, where, etc.) and raising their intonation at the end of the utterance.
68. The process whereby a child uses one
- Correct Answer: d. overextension
- Explanation: Overextension occurs when a child uses a single word to refer to a wider range of objects or concepts than is appropriate.
69. The children's use of
- Correct Answer: a. behavioistic
- Explanation: Overgeneralization, such as saying "goed" instead of "went," challenges the behaviorist view that language learning is primarily driven by imitation and reinforcement.
70. Children acquiring their native
- Correct Answer: d. memorize
- Explanation: Idioms, proverbs, and many compounds are often learned through memorization, as their meaning is not always predictable from the individual words.
71. The firs word of a child can be
- Correct Answer: a. sentence
- Explanation: In the holophrastic stage, a single word can function as a complete sentence, conveying a range of meanings.
72. There are recognizable intonation
- Correct Answer: b. babbling
- Explanation: During the later stages of babbling, infants begin to produce sounds with varying intonation patterns.
73. Children are capable of talking about
- Correct Answer: b. telegraphic speech
- Explanation: The telegraphic speech stage is characterized by the use of two-word utterances, and children begin to refer to past events and absent objects.
74. The teaching method which dominated
- Correct Answer: d. oralism
- Explanation: Oralism was a dominant approach in deaf education, focusing on teaching spoken language and lip-reading skills.
75. The production of forms such as
- Correct Answer: b. overgeneralization
- Explanation: The use of "foots" and "mans" demonstrates overgeneralization of the regular past tense (-ed) and plural (-s) rules.
76. The word that occurs over and over
- Correct Answer: b. pivot
- Explanation: Pivot words are highly frequent words that appear frequently in children's early two-word utterances.
77. Acquisition barriers during the
- Correct Answer: a. affective
- Explanation: Affective factors, such as anxiety, lack of motivation, and negative attitudes, can significantly impede second language acquisition.
78. Fathman suggests that the ability to
- Correct Answer: a. maturational, psychological and sociological
- Explanation: Fathman's research suggests that age-related limitations in second language acquisition may be influenced by maturational, psychological, and sociological factors.
79. The process of learning one's native
- Correct Answer: a. enculturation
- Explanation: Enculturation refers to the process of acquiring the cultural norms, values, and beliefs of one's native society.
80. According to Lenneberg , language is a
- Correct Answer: a. biologically
- Explanation: Lenneberg's work supports the critical period hypothesis, suggesting that language acquisition is influenced by biological factors and may be more difficult after a certain age.
81. Human beings produce language by means
- Correct Answer: a. rational
- Explanation: While language production involves complex cognitive processes, it is generally considered a function of the rational mind.
82. The one-word stage in children's
- Correct Answer: d. holistic stage
- Explanation: The one-word stage is also referred to as the holistic stage because single words are used to express a range of meanings.
83. According to Halliday , the ..........
- Correct Answer: d. instrumental
- Explanation: Halliday identified seven macro-functions of language. Instrumental is not one of them. The primary macro-functions include:
- Interpersonal: Building and maintaining social relationships.
- Ideational: Representing and understanding the world.
- Textual: Creating and organizing coherent messages.
84. According to the rationalist views of
- Correct Answer: d. drawing upon his inborn mental ability
- Explanation: Rationalists believe that language acquisition is primarily driven by innate linguistic knowledge, not through imitation, memorization, or external reinforcement.
85. Acquisition takes place. .. . . .
- Correct Answer: c. naturally
- Explanation: Acquisition is a natural, subconscious process that occurs through exposure to language in meaningful contexts.
86. Acquisition involves.. .. .. .
- Correct Answer: d. the naturalistic development of language proficiency
- Explanation: Acquisition focuses on the natural, implicit development of language skills, not on explicit rule learning or error correction.
87. The babbling stage may be considered
- Correct Answer: a. training and preparatory period for later articulate utterances
- Explanation: Babbling is crucial for developing the motor skills and sounds necessary for later speech production.
88. The first stage of language
- Correct Answer: c. cooing
- Explanation: Cooing is the earliest stage of vocal development, involving the production of vowel-like sounds.
89. Lalling may be defined as. . . . . . .
- Correct Answer: c. the repetition of the heard sounds or sound combinations
- Explanation: Lalling involves the repetition of consonant-vowel combinations, such as "ba-ba-ba" or "ma-ma-ma."
90. Echolalia is the stage in which the
- Correct Answer: a. imitates the sounds in the environment
- Explanation: Echolalia refers to the imitation of sounds and utterances heard in the environment.
91. A strictly formalist approach has
- Correct Answer: b. a passive student environment
- Explanation: A strictly formalist approach often emphasizes grammar rules and drills, which can create a passive learning environment for students.
92. Activists have advocated a . . . . . .
- Correct Answer: b. functional
- Explanation: Activists emphasize the importance of language for communication and interaction, advocating for a functional approach to language teaching.
93. Formalists have relied mostly on the ..........
- Correct Answer: a. deductive form of
- Explanation: Formalists often favor deductive teaching methods, where rules and grammar points are presented explicitly before learners engage in practice activities.
94. Activists tend to place priority on
- Correct Answer: d. listening and speaking
- Explanation: Activists prioritize the development of communicative competence, emphasizing the importance of listening and speaking skills.
95. "Language is species
- Correct Answer: a. only human beings have a language
- Explanation: The statement "language is species-specific" implies that language is a uniquely human capacity.
96. The nativistic approach claims that. . . . . .
- Correct Answer: a. language acquisition is innately determined
- Explanation: Nativists argue that humans are born with an innate capacity for language acquisition.
97. LAD is an innate linguistic property
- Correct Answer: b. the ability to produce novel sentences and stretches of discourse
- Explanation: The Language Acquisition Device (LAD) is hypothesized to enable children to generate and understand an infinite number of sentences.
98. Operant conditioning refers to
- Correct Answer: c. the organism operates on the environment
- Explanation: Operant conditioning is a type of learning where the organism's behavior is influenced by the consequences of its actions. The organism "operates" on the environment, and the consequences of those actions (rewards or punishments) shape future behavior.
99. The critical period is a biological
- Correct Answer: a. language acquisition becomes more difficult
- Explanation: The critical period hypothesis suggests that there is a biologically determined time window for optimal language acquisition. After this period, language learning becomes more challenging and may not be as successful.
100. Lateralization refers to. . . . . . .
- Correct Answer: b. the assignment of different faculties to the different hemispheres of the brain
- Explanation: Lateralization describes the specialization of functions in the two hemispheres of the brain. For example, language functions are typically lateralized to the left hemisphere in most people.
101. Deductive reasoning is a movement
- Correct Answer: b. general to specific
- Explanation: Deductive reasoning involves moving from general principles or theories to specific conclusions.
102. Style is a term that refers to . . . . . . .
- Correct Answer: a. consistent tendencies within an individual
- Explanation: Style refers to the consistent and characteristic patterns of behavior, thinking, and expression that distinguish an individual.
103. Field-dependent language learners are
- Correct Answer: a. fluent
- Explanation: Field-dependent learners tend to rely on the overall context and are more attuned to social cues. This can contribute to fluency in communication.
104. Field-independent learners
- Correct Answer: c. the details of the field
- Explanation: Field-independent learners are more likely to focus on specific details and individual elements within a larger context.
105. Tolerance of ambiguity concerns the
- Correct Answer: c. to tolerate ideas contrary to his own
- Explanation: Tolerance of ambiguity refers to an individual's ability to comfortably deal with situations that are uncertain, confusing, or lack clear-cut solutions.
106. Impulsive learners are more. . . . . .
- Correct Answer: a. intuitive
- Explanation: Impulsive learners tend to rely on intuition and make quick decisions, often without careful consideration of all the options.
107. Self esteem is a personality factor
- Correct Answer: b. the individual's evaluation of self with regard
- Explanation: Self-esteem refers to an individual's overall subjective evaluation of their own worth.
108. Debilitative anxiety . . . . .
- Correct Answer: b. inhibits learning
- Explanation: Debilitative anxiety refers to excessive worry and fear that interferes with learning and performance.
109. Motivation is commonly thought of as
- Correct Answer: d. an inner drive, impulse, or emotion
- Explanation: Motivation is an internal state that drives individuals to engage in particular behaviors, often towards specific goals.
110. Extroversion is the extent to which a
- Correct Answer: c. a strong need to receive ego-enhancement
- Explanation: Extroversion is characterized by a strong need for social interaction, stimulation, and external validation.
111. Children's early language is often
- Correct Answer: b. lexical morphemes/grammatical morphemes
- Explanation: Children's early language often focuses on content words (lexical morphemes) while grammatical morphemes (such as plurals and verb tenses) are acquired later.
112. During the telegraphic stage,
- Correct Answer: a. lexical morphemes
- Explanation: Telegraphic speech primarily consists of content words (nouns, verbs, adjectives) with function words (articles, prepositions) omitted.
113. According to .......... view,
- Correct Answer: c. neurophysiological
- Explanation: The neurophysiological view emphasizes the role of the brain and nervous system in language acquisition.
114. Words that occur again and again in
- Correct Answer: b. pivot
- Explanation: Pivot words are highly frequent words that appear repeatedly in children's early two-word utterances.
115. According to .......... view,
- Correct Answer: a. traditional
- Explanation: The traditional view suggests a more linear and sequential process of language acquisition, starting with concept formation and progressing to word selection.
116. During the .......... stage, the baby
- Correct Answer: d. babbling
- Explanation: The babbling stage is characterized by the production of a variety of sounds, including consonants and vowels.
117. The .......... stage in children's
- Correct Answer: a. lalling
- Explanation: As previously discussed, lalling involves the repetition of heard sounds or sound combinations.
118. From a traditional view, stages of
- Correct Answer: a. cooing, babbling, lalling , echolalia, holophrastic, telegraphic
- Explanation: The traditional view outlines a sequence of stages in language development, starting with cooing and progressing to telegraphic speech.
119. "Children are born with a
- Correct Answer: b. LAD
- Explanation: LAD stands for Language Acquisition Device, a hypothetical innate mechanism proposed by Noam Chomsky to explain the rapid and effortless acquisition of language in children.
120. Children's early language production
- Correct Answer: b. inflections/derivations
- Explanation: Children initially focus on content words and often omit or simplify grammatical morphemes such as inflections (e.g., plurals, verb tenses) and derivations (e.g., prefixes, suffixes).