New Hampshire Foundations of Reading Practice Test

What is the primary focus of language acquisition in infants?

1. Learning to read and write

2. Understanding and speaking their native language

3. Listening to music and songs

4. Social interaction with peers

The correct answer is: Understanding and speaking their native language

The primary focus of language acquisition in infants is the understanding and speaking of their native language. During the early stages of development, infants are not yet engaged in reading or writing, as these skills are typically acquired later in life. Instead, they are immersed in their linguistic environment, where they begin to recognize sounds, understand vocabulary, and learn to produce speech sounds. This process is heavily influenced by their interactions with caregivers and the language they are exposed to, which helps them build their understanding of grammatical structures and word meanings. While listening to music and songs can play a role in language development by exposing infants to different sounds and rhythms, it is not the primary focus. Similarly, while social interaction with peers is important for social skills and emotional development, the foundational aspect of language acquisition revolves around understanding and articulating their native language. Hence, the emphasis on native language comprehension and production is pivotal during infancy.