Essay on Effects of Television and
Language Development
Television
remains as one of the most important source of education for individuals of
every age. However, most the child experts and parents alike are noticing the
effects of television on the child’s language development. Although some people
believe that watching television is beneficial method of learning, the large
number of studies and research seem to suggest otherwise.
A
recent study conducted by the National Literary Trust showed the effects of
watching television with the child’s linguistic development. The findings showed the children who are
constantly exposed to television shows intended for adult audience displayed
sub-par language skills during their pre-school years. Results of the research
suggest that children who are often shown programs for general audience tend to
verbally interact less with adults. In addition to this, these children also
displayed lower expressive language skills as well a vocabulary. Experts posit
that children who watch adult programs tend to show slow linguistic
developments because they are unable to comprehend and understand the
information that they are receiving.
This is primarily because the programs are both visually and auditory
incomprehensible as their brains and cognition are still not fully developed (Bikham, et.al, p. 101).
Similarly,
the current trends of pre-school children’s linguistic abilities have
considerably declined over the ten years. Many scholars believe that this trend
is a result of watching television. Child development experts suggest that
prior to the 1950s, children have in fact excellent language skills. However,
the advent of television as well as the fundamental changes brought by
technology has made television the center of everyday living. More parents are
unknowingly exposing their children to television programs that are not
age-appropriate. This has then result to a decrease of verbal interaction
between the child and the parent. Numerous early childhood experts underline
that a parent‘s verbal interaction and participation plays a crucial role in
the child’s language development. Research evidences show that low
opportunities for verbal interaction during early years are connected with poor
vocabulary and poor reading comprehension skills. Consequently, experts argue
that a decreased and low verbal communication and interaction between the child
and the parent during early years will persist even after the child begins his
or her schooling (Close, 2004, p.24).
The
development of a child’s expressive language which is particularly evident in
gestures and verbal expressions are likewise affected by heavy television
viewing. Numerous researches show that children who are watching television for
19 to 30 hours per week are more likely to show low expressive language skills.
Scholars suggest that heavy exposure to television with poor content is one of
the main reasons behind the sub-par linguistic development of the child. Apart
from this, many experts posit that children that who are often watching
television do not receive ample and proper verbal interaction. This then
hinders them from developing their language skills (Close, 2004, p. 25).
Based
on the points provided, it can be concluded that television and language skills
of children are highly related. In fact, numerous studies have already shown
that the language skills of a child which includes their ability to initiate
verbal interaction with adults as well as their expressive language skills are
affected by heavy television viewing. This remains as a reminder that parents
must be fully aware of the negative impact of television to their children.
References
Bikham, D., Wright, J. and Huston, A., (2001)
“Attention, comprehension, and educational
influences of television. Handbook of children and media. London:
Sage Publications,
pp.101-119
Chonchaiya, W. and Pruksananonda, C. (2008).
‘Television viewing associates with delayed
language development. ACT Paediatrica, 97, pp. 977-982
Close, R. (2004). Television and Language
Development in Early Years. National
Literacy
Trust, 3, p. 1-25
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