What does the term 'assimilation' refer to in language development?

The term 'assimilation' in language development refers to the process where a child adapts their existing knowledge of language to new concepts they encounter. This means that when children learn new words or ideas, they may initially interpret or use the new language in ways that are influenced by what they already know. For example, if a child has learned about animals and then encounters a new animal, they might apply familiar vocabulary or grammatical structures to describe it, demonstrating how they integrate new information with their existing language framework.

This process is crucial in language acquisition because it reflects how learners construct meaning and understanding by relating unfamiliar concepts to those they already grasp. Assimilation is an integral part of cognitive development and showcases the dynamic way in which children enhance their language skills as they interact with the world around them.