Oregon Educator Licensure Assessments (ORELA) Practice Exam

Which family condition might contribute to language delay?

1. A supportive home environment

2. Frequent family conversations

3. Family history of language delay

4. Encouragement of verbal communication

The correct answer is: Family history of language delay

A family history of language delay can be a significant factor in a child's language development. If there are previous instances of language delays in family members, it may indicate a genetic predisposition or environmental influences that can affect language acquisition in subsequent generations. Children learn to communicate through observation and interaction with those around them, so if family members have struggled with language development, it could limit the input and modeling opportunities that are crucial for a child's language growth. In contrast, options that suggest a supportive environment or active verbal communication, such as frequent family conversations and encouragement of verbal communication, typically promote language development rather than hinder it. These environments are conducive to fostering effective language skills, as they provide ample opportunities for children to hear and practice language in meaningful contexts. Therefore, a family history of language delay stands out as a contributing condition that could have a more direct impact on a child's own language development.