California Teacher Credentialing Examination (CSET) Practice Test 2025 - Free CSET Practice Questions and Study Guide

The cognitive approach to language development emphasizes the crucial relationship between a child's cognitive processes and their ability to acquire language. This perspective suggests that before children can effectively learn and use language, they must first develop certain cognitive skills. This involves understanding concepts, categorization, and the ability to think abstractly.

According to this approach, as children's cognitive abilities grow, so does their capacity to learn language. For instance, a child who can comprehend the concept of time will be better equipped to understand and use verb tenses. This underscores the idea that cognitive development supports and facilitates the mechanisms of language learning, meaning that language acquisition is not just a matter of exposure but is intertwined with overall cognitive growth.

In contrast, the other options do not align with the cognitive approach. While imitation plays a role in language learning, it is not the primary mechanism according to cognitive theorists. The notion that children can acquire language without mental development contradicts the fundamental principles of cognitive development, which stress that cognitive skills are essential for language acquisition. Finally, while language does develop in a social context, the cognitive approach specifically highlights the importance of internal mental processes rather than social interaction as the primary driver for language skills development.