Spoken Language

Language is a means of traveling around the world. It is a never ending journey, as it constantly changes over time. It evolves as the human race grows. Language comes in all forms and styles. It is seen and heard all around us, through the books that we read and the people we listen and talk to. Gee (p, 9 2011) sates that “Language arose first as speech (oral language)” One of the key purposes of language is communication. Oral as well as written language are the primary means for communication. However, Fellowes (2014) expresses that eye contact, facial expressions’, gestures and body language are also a means of communication “and can be used to support-or even replace-spoken language.” (p 18) and continues on to express that “Spoken language

Green (2006) highlights that all language arises from different cultural and social contexts, “All language-written, spoken and visual-arises from cultural and social contexts, and is understood by people in terms of their own social and cultural backgrounds” (p. 2). Diversity in language is a key factor of language development. As Crystal talks about language and world Englishes he explains that “There is not one thing called correct English, each country makes it their own”. The variations in English also change according to the social class of people and their age. While standard language could be as basic as Standard

As all things have a purpose, so does language. It allows children to communicate, express themselves, understand feelings and create an identity. It helps organise their thoughts and make sense of the world around them. Language is the primary first step to literacy. It comes in many forms: Verbal, visual, written. As early as twelve months infants start saying their first words, as a result of the parent constantly communicating with them through reading and speaking. As time progresses more words are accumulated by the child and is formed into sentences. This process continues throughout their lives. Fellowes (2014) claims that in early childhood oral language development is vital. They “require constant support to acquire the skills required for the effective use of oral language”. Emmitt (2010 p 32)also states that “language competence develops through use”. Satisfactory language development in small children will allow for the child to achieve the desired language