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Language differentiation by the bilingual infant*

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  26 September 2008

Marilyn May Vihman
Marilyn May Vihman
Affiliation:
Stanford University
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Abstract

This paper traces the process involved in the bilingual infant's gradual differentiation of his two languages, beginning with the acquisition of a dual lexicon. Word combination is at first based indiscriminately on this dual language source; function words account for a disproportionately large number of tokens used in mixed-language utterances. Universal principles of child syntax are at first applied; later, rules specific to each of the languages are developed separately. The development of self-awareness and sensitivity to standards in the second year provides the essential cognitive underpinning for the child to begin to avoid mixed-language utterances and to choose his language according to his interlocutor. At a still later point the bilingual older child may begin to make use of code-switching strategies appropriate to his or her bilingual community.

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Articles
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Journal of Child Language , Volume 12 , Issue 2 , June 1985 , pp. 297 - 324
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1985

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