Date of Award

5-1-2006

Document Type

Research Paper

First Advisor

Lori Camparo

Abstract

Language is one of the attributes which set human beings apart from all other creatures. Although it can be argued that some animals , such as apes, exhibit a kind of language, the “language” used by animals and the thought of animals stem from different roots and also develop along different lines. The way animals think is in no way related to their language. Animal language functions apart from animal intellect. His project focuses on the relationship between language acquisition and cognitive development. It analyzes and cohesively explains the research done in the field, and any progress made in determining what role writing systems play in both the acquisition of language and cognitive development. Some questions answered include: At what point does a human being begin to acquire language? What role does cognitive development play in this? Is cognitive development furthered by the ability to speak? What is the difference, cognitively speaking, between a child who verbalizes and a child who communicates through sign language. The project takes the for of a literature review.

Comments

WSP Major: Psychology/Spanish

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