Pay attention to pronunciation errors

Oct 13, 2025 by windailys.com 47 views

The Language Skills of Children Aged 3-4 Years (Preschool) in Play Group Tunas Mekar Medan: A Psycholinguistic Review

Introduction

Language acquisition is a crucial aspect of a child's development, and it is essential to understand how children learn and develop language skills at a young age. This study aims to examine the language skills of children aged 3-4 years in the Play Group Tunas Mekar Medan through a psycholinguistic approach. The research focuses on how children in this age range obtain language, particularly in aspects of phonological, semantic, and syntactic development.

The Importance of Language Acquisition in Preschool Age

Language acquisition is a complex process that involves the development of phonological, semantic, and syntactic skills. Children in the preschool age (3-4 years) are in a critical period of language development, and their ability to acquire language will have a significant impact on their future academic and social success. Understanding the language skills of children in this age group is essential for educators and caregivers to create an effective learning environment that supports their language development.

Methodology

This study uses a qualitative approach to collect and analyze data on the language skills of children aged 3-4 years in the Play Group Tunas Mekar Medan. The data collection methods include observations of children's language use in the classroom, both in interaction with friends and with teachers. The data analysis focuses on the development of phonological, semantic, and syntactic skills in children.

Phonology: The Development of Sound Systems

Phonology is the study of sound systems in language, and it is an essential aspect of language development in children. Children in the preschool age are still learning to produce sounds accurately, and they often experience mistakes in pronunciation. For example, changes in the sound "want" to "Mo," which shows vocals [a] and vocal change [U] to [O]. Children also often miss weak consonants such as [l] in words consisting of two syllables. In addition, they use reduplication and simplification of words in the process of language acquisition.

Syntax: The Development of Sentence Structure

Syntax is the study of sentence structure in language, and it is another essential aspect of language development in children. Children in the preschool age are learning to use grammatical sentences, showing the development of their understanding of sentence structure. They are able to use simple sentences, such as "I want a ball," and more complex sentences, such as "I want a ball because it is red."

Semantics: The Development of Meaning

Semantics is the study of meaning in language, and it is a critical aspect of language development in children. Children in the preschool age are learning to understand the meaning of words and phrases, and they often use denotative meaning, which is the basic meaning or direct meaning of the word. For example, when a child says "I want a ball," they are using the denotative meaning of the word "ball" to refer to a specific object. However, children in this age group are still in the early stages of understanding the connotative meaning or figurative meaning of words.

Conclusion

This study shows that children are born with the potential to learn various languages, including Indonesian. This ability allows them to master sentences gradually, from simple to complex. The results of this study highlight the importance of understanding the language skills of children in the preschool age and provide recommendations for educators to support their language development.

Recommendations for Educators

Based on the research results, it is essential for educators to:

*** Increase language stimulation: Through games, songs, and other activities that involve language, educators can help children develop their language skills. *** Pay attention to pronunciation errors: Educators can help children correct pronunciation errors through exercise and good models. *** Introduce the meaning of the word: Educators can introduce the meaning of words through stories, pictures, and concrete objects.

By understanding the language skills of children aged 3-4 years, educators can create an effective learning environment and help children achieve their language potential optimally.

Implications for Future Research

This study provides a foundation for future research on language development in children. Further studies can investigate the language skills of children in different age groups and cultural contexts. Additionally, research can focus on the impact of language development on children's academic and social success.

Limitations of the Study

This study has several limitations. The sample size is small, and the data collection methods are limited to observations in the classroom. Future studies can use larger sample sizes and more diverse data collection methods to provide a more comprehensive understanding of language development in children.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study provides a psycholinguistic review of the language skills of children aged 3-4 years in the Play Group Tunas Mekar Medan. The results highlight the importance of understanding the language skills of children in the preschool age and provide recommendations for educators to support their language development. By understanding the language skills of children, educators can create an effective learning environment and help children achieve their language potential optimally.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Language Skills of Children Aged 3-4 Years

Q: What are the most critical aspects of language development in children aged 3-4 years?

A: The most critical aspects of language development in children aged 3-4 years are phonology, syntax, and semantics. Phonology refers to the development of sound systems, syntax refers to the development of sentence structure, and semantics refers to the development of meaning.

Q: What are some common mistakes children make in pronunciation?

A: Children in the preschool age often experience mistakes in pronunciation, such as changes in the sound "want" to "Mo," which shows vocals [a] and vocal change [U] to [O]. They also often miss weak consonants such as [l] in words consisting of two syllables.

Q: How do children develop sentence structure?

A: Children in the preschool age are learning to use grammatical sentences, showing the development of their understanding of sentence structure. They are able to use simple sentences, such as "I want a ball," and more complex sentences, such as "I want a ball because it is red."

Q: What is denotative meaning, and how do children use it?

A: Denotative meaning is the basic meaning or direct meaning of the word. Children in the preschool age are more likely to use denotative meaning, which is the basic meaning or direct meaning of the word. For example, when a child says "I want a ball," they are using the denotative meaning of the word "ball" to refer to a specific object.

Q: How can educators support language development in children?

A: Educators can support language development in children by:

Increasing language stimulation through games, songs, and other activities that involve language
Paying attention to pronunciation errors and helping children correct them through exercise and good models
Introducing the meaning of words through stories, pictures, and concrete objects

Q: What are some implications of language development for children's academic and social success?

A: Language development is a critical aspect of children's academic and social success. Children who develop strong language skills are more likely to succeed in school and have better social relationships.

Q: What are some limitations of this study?

A: This study has several limitations, including a small sample size and limited data collection methods. Future studies can use larger sample sizes and more diverse data collection methods to provide a more comprehensive understanding of language development in children.

Q: What are some future research directions?

A: Future research can investigate the language skills of children in different age groups and cultural contexts. Additionally, research can focus on the impact of language development on children's academic and social success.

Q: How can parents support language development in their children?

A: Parents can support language development in their children by:

Talking to their children regularly and encouraging them to talk
Reading books with their children and discussing the stories
Engaging in activities that involve language, such as singing songs and playing games

Q: What are some resources for parents and educators who want to support language development in children?

A: There are many resources available for parents and educators who want to support language development in children, including books, websites, and professional development opportunities. Some recommended resources include the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).