Question

What are 2 distinct styles of early language learning? What accounts for toddler's language style?

Answer 1

The two distinct styles of language learning are:

• Referential style: In this style of language development children learn to refer or label things. They have expanded vocabulary, acquire knowledge of names of many things.
• Expressive style: In this type of language development children learn to express themselves during social interactions, however, their vocabulary would be limited.

Toddlers acquire language by both styles. They imitate their elders while labeling objects,also the elders help them building their vocabulary by providing names of different objects in which they are interested in.Thus, referential style of language develops.

When the elders encourages toddlers to express themselves in various social contexts, for example, to greet others, to say goodbye, to express their needs etc, expressive language develops. Here, emphasis is to develop ability to express oneself in various situations,than increasing the limit of vocabulary. Imitation also play an important role, as toddlers imitate their elders ways of expressions during the social interactions.