Biological Basis of Language: A Case Study of Ameera’s Biological and Language Development

Abstract

This paper presents a study about the biological and language development of a baby named Ameera in the age of 12 weeks–20 months. In particular, the study aims to find what stages of language acquisition are and how the process of the biological and language development of Ameera run. This is a case study and uses sample of convenience to choose one participant who is accessible and can be met anytime; a mother of a four-years old baby girl. The data were collected through informal interview, documents (pictures and video of the baby). The study found that there were 5 stages of language acquisition; prelinguistic stage, first manifestation of phonology, first word, two-word stage (first manifestation of syntax), and telegraphic speech. Then, the process of biological and language development of Ameera yielded certain considerations. One of the major findings was the fact that Ameera spoke first and walked later. In line with the finding, Darjowidjojo (2012) stated that the standard of weeks, months and years as written in the chart must be regarded relative for biological factor of human beings cannot be the same (p.199) It is expected that this research will give better understanding to the development and implication of Psycholinguistics in the field of Biological Basis of Language in the future.