Take immigrant family for example... do you think that person’s language skill is more influenced by peers than by the family?

any answers are appreciated.
thank you!

I think so. Peers are the ones you want to fit in with and be accepted by. Plus, if you want to communicate with them, you have to pick up at least some basic language skills. The family, I believe, is only influential in the early stages of talking.

If language skill is the is the development of the basic rules of language, the family is more influential. Later, peers can add new expressions and vocabulary to the language. With immigrant children, if the basic language skills have not developed, they will have more trouble in learning a second language.

For more scientific information, I searched Google under the key words "language development" to get these possible sources:

http://www.asha.org/public/speech/development/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Language_development

Under "second language" I found:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_language

I hope this helps a little more. Thanks for asking.

The influence of peers versus family on a person's language skills, particularly in the case of immigrant families, can vary depending on the individual and their specific circumstances.

Sometimes, peers can play a significant role in shaping language skills, especially when it comes to fitting in and being accepted. Immigrants may feel motivated to learn the language spoken by their peers in order to communicate and establish social connections. Peers can introduce new expressions, vocabulary, slang, and cultural references, which can contribute to a more comprehensive language proficiency.

On the other hand, the family typically has a more prominent influence on language development during the early stages of talking and acquiring basic language skills. Parents and immediate family members are often the primary source of language input for young children, providing them with consistent exposure to their native language. This foundational language development forms the basis for further language acquisition and learning.

For immigrant children, having a strong foundation in their first language can facilitate the acquisition of a second language. If the basic language skills have not been adequately developed, it might be more challenging for them to learn a new language. In such cases, family support and interactions play a crucial role in creating a supportive language learning environment.

For more comprehensive and scientifically-backed information on language development, you can refer to reputable sources such as the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and Wikipedia. ASHA has resources specifically dedicated to language development, which can provide insights into the various factors that influence language acquisition. Similarly, the Wikipedia page on language development and second language acquisition can offer further understanding of these topics.

Keep in mind that individual experiences can vary, and it's essential to consider factors such as age, cultural background, educational opportunities, and personal motivations when evaluating the impact of peers and family on language skills.