Meaning: the process by which humans acquire the capacity to perceive and comprehend a native or second language, as well as to produce and use words and sentences to communicate.
Either the handshape "F" or "8" of the "acquisition" part is acceptable. Phonological variation.
Related signs: LINGUISTICS, BILINGUAL, COOING, BABBLING, PROXIMALIZATION.
Opposite: language deprivation, language delay.
Related posts: See the video of what babbling is like in sign language. Or, explore more features of language acquisition documentation in ASL L1 (as a first language), including cooing, one-word stage, and more.
Review 101 words. Refresher.