NYSTCE English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Practice Test

What is morphemic acquisition order concerned with?

1. The sequence of acquiring vocabulary

2. The pattern in which morphemes are learned

3. The rate of speech production

4. The acquisition of language structures

The correct answer is: The pattern in which morphemes are learned

Morphemic acquisition order specifically pertains to the systematic way in which learners acquire morphemes, the smallest units of meaning in a language. This concept explores how individuals, particularly language learners, tend to internalize and use different morphemes over time according to a predictable pattern. For instance, research in language acquisition has shown that some morphemes, such as regular plural markers or progressive -ing forms, are typically learned before more complex morphemes. This pattern signifies that there is an inherent order in how these morphological units are acquired, influenced by factors such as age, exposure, and language learning environments. Understanding morphemic acquisition order is crucial for educators and language practitioners because it can inform teaching strategies, allowing them to tailor instruction that aligns with the natural progression of language learning among speakers of other languages.