Language acquisition occurs only when the ______ 

Language is a symbolic, rule-governed system, shared by a group of people to express their thoughts and feelings. In a child, language development takes place through language acquisition and language learning.

Key Points

Language acquisition :

• It refers to the subconscious process of learning a native or second language because of the innate capacity of the human brain.
• It is a natural process whereby children acquire language by observing and repeating what they hear in their native environment.
• Language acquisition does not require any formal instruction, children acquire the language when they have exposure to the language and when they hear language in their surrounding environment.

Hence, it could be concluded that language acquisition occurs only when the child has exposure to the language.

Additional Information

• Language learning refers to the result of deliberate and conscious effort in a formal environment, for a better understanding of foundational skills of language learning. In language learning, children should move from simple to complex rules to be proficient in all aspects of language skills.