AN ANALYSIS OF LANGUAGE ACQUISITION ON THE STUNTING CHILDREN IN PEKAN LABUHAN VILLAGE

Abstract

Language is a communication system used by humans to convey meaning. The function of language is as a means of communication both orally and in writing and to express oneself as well as a means of integration, social adaptation and as a means of social control. This research presents a study conducted in Pekan Labuhan village, which analyses language acquisition in 10 stunting children with an age range between 4-6 years. The purpose of this study is to find out what words stunteing children in Pekan Labuhan Village acquire and why stunting children in pekan labuhan village only acquire that language. Researchers used qualitative research methodology to reveal the social setting and connotations of the research phenomenon. This method avoids manipulation of the research setting and uses a collective case study approach to produce a comprehensive picture. Children usually start saying simple sentences at 18 months of age, but some start talking at 2 years of age. However, if children are unable to produce simple sentences at two years of age or older, it is likely that they have a speech delay. The study concluded that stunted and normal children have the same types of words, but there are differences in spelling, vocabulary size, and duration of language acquisition. Cognitive impairment in stunted children can lead to speech delay and limited vocabulary. In this study, 5 out of 10 stunted children experienced these problems.