ICLRC

Benefits of Research

What is first language acquisition?

Linguistics is the study of how language works and how it is used in communication. The ICLRC focuses on the study of first language acquisition, a branch of linguistics. This area investigates how children acquire the linguistic structures of their languages in a natural, subconscious way from infancy through childhood. By studying first language acquisition, we can learn more about how different parts of language are learned, which can be very informative in identifying Indigenous milestones and building language curricula.

Though this area of linguistics is rich in literature, most first language acquisition studies are done with speakers of majority languages, such as English, Spanish, and French. A recent paper by Chee and Henke (2024) surveyed the number of studies investigating child and child-directed speech in Indigenous languages from the United States and Canada. They found that there are only 90 studies in existence. We at the ICLRC recognize that although there is much research on this topic, there are benefits to studying first language acquisition of Indigenous languages. For this reason, we are invested in supporting community-led research projects so that more Indigenous people can lead this important work.

Benefits of first language acquisition research

  • Insight into Indigenous language development and acquisition processes
    Communication milestones tend to be based on linguistic and developmental research done with majority languages, such as English and Spanish. For example, the American Speech and Hearing Association’s list of Communication milestones is widely used and is supported by extensive research. Though languages that have been extensively researched offer a wealth of knowledge, there is little known about how children speaking Indigenous languages as a first language acquire different aspects of language. Acquisition research can help reveal language specific milestones and patterns for typical acquisition that aid in the creation of assessment tools.
  • Grant funding
    Grant proposals that include empirical data may have a better chance at getting funded. Empirical data shows that your project or program is or wants to be informed by evidence. Sharing preliminary results for a project can strengthen your proposals by demonstrating your purpose for applying and need for funding.
  • Insight to how child-directed speech guides Indigenous language development
    Child-directed speech refers to the modifications caretakers make in their speech to children. These modifications include intonation differences (e.g. a higher overall pitch), the use of words that differ from the caretaker’s normal language (e.g. using third person verbs in place of first person verbs), and using words that are specific for baby talk (e.g. tummy vs. stomach, mommy vs. mom). Studies of child-directed speech suggest that these modifications in speech to children can help children better acquire language. However, there are very few studies of child-directed speech of Indigenous languages.
  • Informed language pedagogies and curriculum design
    Knowledge of language specific milestones and patterns can enhance language pedagogies and curriculum design. This allows for the use of strategies grounded in the language of the community so that they are not solely based on non-Indigenous approaches to language learning. These materials can be used in the classroom learning of Indigenous languages to aid in a community’s revitalization efforts.