Tasha Maxon
Ashford University
Language Development in Young Children
ECE 315
Pilar Carroll
August 23, 2010
Brain Research and its Influence on Language Development and Acquisition
Language acquisition is one of the most fundamental human traits, and it is obviously the brain that undergoes the developmental changes (Sakai, 2005, p. 815-819). During the years of language acquisition, the brain not only stores linguistic information but also adapts to the grammatical regularities of language. Recent advances in functional neuro-imaging have substantially contributed to systems-level analyses of brain development (Sakai, 2005, p. 815-819). Perhaps no aspect of child development is so miraculous and transformative as the development of a child's brain (Brotherson, 2005). Brain development allows a child to develop the abilities to crawl, speak, eat, laugh and walk. Healthy development of a child's brain is built on the small moments that parents and caregivers experience as they interact with a child (Brotherson, 2005).
A number of factors influence early brain development. These important factors include genetics, food and nutrition, responsiveness of parents, daily experiences, physical activity and love. In particular, parents should be aware of the importance of furnishing a healthy and nutritious diet, giving love and nurturing, providing interesting and varied everyday experiences, and giving children positive and sensitive feedback (Brotherson, 2005). In the past, some scientists thought the brain's development was determined genetically and brain growth followed a biologically predetermined path. Now we know that early experiences impact the development of the brain and influence the specific way in which the circuits (or pathways) of the brain become "wired." A baby's brain is a work in progress, the outside world shapes its development through experiences that a child's senses
References: Brotherson, S. (2005). Understanding Brasin Development in Young Children. Retrieved from www.ag.ndsu.edu Fleming, B., Family Life Specialist (2002). Brain Keys Language Development. Retrieved from www.nncc.org/Release/brain.language.html Genesee, F. (2000). Brain Research: Implications for Second Language Learning. Retrieved from www.cal.org Sakai, K. L. (2005). Language Acquistion and Brain Development. Retrieved from www.sciencemag.org