CHAPTER 1

Lesson 2

First Language Acquisition (FLA)

and
Literacy Development

Learning Outcomes
• define first language, mother tongue, heritage
language, and dialect.
• explain how children acquire a language and the
processes involved in their literacy development.
• compare the different theories of language and
literacy development.
• critique the MTB-MLE curriculum framework in the
Philippines.
 Introduction
Language is not biological; therefore regardless of race and ethnicity,
children will eventually acquire the language they are first exposed to in
their primary caregiver. Since the primary caregiver is the mother, this
language input came to be called “motherese” in the 1970 (Crystal,
1987). The term “motherese” describes the language adaptation adults
make (not necessarily parents, since some parents do not apply this
principle) to give the child maximum opportunity to interact and learn.

Crystal (1987) notes some of these adaptations as posited by C.A.

Ferguson (1977).
• The utterances are considerably simplified, especially with respect to
their grammar and meaning.
• There are several features whose purpose seems to be clarified. Extra
information is provided that would be considered unnecessary when
talking to an adult.
• There is also an expressive, or affective element in motherese, shown
by the use of special words or sounds. Diminutive or reduplicative
words like wee-wee, pee-pee, ma-ma are common.
What is a first
language?
• The language first
acquired as a child like
mother tongue and
native tongue, or
preferred language in a
multilingual situation.
What is a second
language?
• It is a non-native
language that has an
official role in a country.
What is a foreign
language?
• It is a non-native
language that has no What is a dialect?
official status in the • It is a language variety in
country. which the use of
grammar and vocabulary
What is a heritage identifies the regional or
social background of the
language?
• It is used to identity
user.
languages other than
the dominant language.
History
Make a timeline of the important historical events or list historical contributions made by people of
African heritage.

1st Event 2nd Event 3rd Event 4th Event 5th Event 6th Event

Date Date Date Date Date Date

Description Description Description Description Description Description

Interesting facts
List some interesting facts about Black History Month. Here
are a few examples:
• In 1926, Carter G. Woodson launched a weeklong celebration of
black history in the United States.
• In 1976, President Gerald Ford officially recognizes Black History
Month.
• Black History Month is also celebrated by Canada, Ireland, The
Netherlands, and the United Kingdom.
Key people
Choose three leaders for Black History Month using Bing.com and discuss their lives and
accomplishments. Here are some examples:

Bayard Rustin was a close advisor to
Martin Luther King and an American
leader of the civil rights movement. Rustin
organized and led several protests,
including the 1963 March on Washington.
Jesse Owens was an American track and
field athlete and four-time gold medalist
in the 1936 Olympic Games in Germany.
Owens specialized in the sprints and the
long jump.
Zora Neale Hurston was an American
author, anthropologist, and filmmaker. In
1937, she published her famous novel,
Their Eyes Were Watching God.
Arts and literature
Click icon to add picture

Provide examples of art and literature that are

significant to Black History Month. Here are a
few examples:
• The writing of James Baldwin
• The music of Miles Davis
Click icon to add picture
• The artwork of Alma Thomas
How to celebrate
List some ways you can celebrate Black History Month.
Here are a few examples:
• Discover African American artists
• Read African American authors
• Listen to African American musicians
• Learn important moments of African American history
 Conclusion
Provide a brief summary of your presentation.
Remind the audience what you covered in the previous slides.
Questions & answers
Invite questions from the audience
Resources
List the resources you used for your research:
• Source #1
• Source #2
• Source #3