Analyze How Children Acquire Language and the Cognitive Processes Involved, including the Role of Environmental and Social Factors

Mazhar Nawaz, Murk Nizamani, Mehak and Rashid Hameed
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Mazhar Nawaz: Assistant Professor (English) Govt. Associate College Jahanian, Pakistan
Murk Nizamani: National Research University, Higher School of Economics
Mehak: National Research University of Modern Languages, Pakistan
Rashid Hameed: PhD Scholar, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Pakistan

Bulletin of Business and Economics (BBE), 2024, vol. 13, issue 3, 239

Abstract: Language acquisition is a multifaceted process through which children develop the ability to understand, produce, and utilize language for communication. This study explores the cognitive processes and social factors involved in language development, with a focus on how environmental contexts such as home, school, and community shape these abilities. Utilizing a qualitative approach, the research draws from semi-structured interviews, observations, and case studies of 200 participants, including children, parents, and educators, to investigate the roles of phonological awareness, syntax, semantics, and pragmatics in language acquisition. The study is grounded in theoretical frameworks such as Vygotsky’s Sociocultural Theory, Bruner’s Interactionist Theory, and Piaget’s Cognitive Developmental Theory, which provide insights into the interaction of social, cognitive, and environmental factors. The research findings emphasize the importance of structured educational activities, a language-rich environment, and positive social interactions in fostering language development. The study reveals that children who engage in targeted phonological activities, such as rhyming games and sound manipulation tasks, exhibit stronger phonological skills, which are critical for early literacy. It also highlights how syntactic, semantic, and pragmatic skills develop through meaningful interactions with caregivers, peers, and teachers. Additionally, the research underscores the significant role of environmental factors, such as verbal interactions at home and interactive teaching methods in the classroom, in supporting language development. This study addresses gaps in the literature by integrating cognitive mechanisms with social interactions and examining the impact of contemporary contexts, including digital media, on language acquisition. The findings offer practical recommendations for educators and parents, emphasizing the need to create supportive language environments and foster interactive learning experiences. The research contributes to a deeper understanding of the interplay between cognitive processes and environmental influences in language acquisition, providing valuable insights for improving educational practices and supporting children’s linguistic development.

Keywords: Language acquisition; Cognitive development; Phonological awareness; Syntax; Semantics; Pragmatics; Environmental factors (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:rfh:bbejor:v:13:y:2024:i:3:p:239-247

DOI: 10.61506/01.00483

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