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

What is 'underextension' in relation to a child's language development?

1. When a child's definition of a word is too broad

2. When a child's definition of a word is too narrow

3. When a child uses a word incorrectly

4. When a child refuses to use new vocabulary

The correct answer is: When a child's definition of a word is too narrow

Underextension refers to a phenomenon in language development where a child's understanding and use of a word is limited to a single instance or a specific context rather than the broader definition. For example, if a child refers only to their pet dog as "dog" while failing to apply the term to all dogs, they are demonstrating underextension. This typically manifests in young children as they learn to categorize objects, as they often restrict their vocabulary to only familiar instances. Understanding underextension is crucial because it indicates that a child is progressing through stages of language acquisition, refining their vocabulary and meanings associated with words. This reflects the child's cognitive processes as they make sense of the world around them and highlights the distinction between their personal experiences and the broader language use expected in their environment.