What are "social norms" in child language acquisition?

"Social norms" in child language acquisition refer to unwritten rules about language use in different contexts. These norms dictate how children learn to communicate effectively within their social environments. Children acquire language not only through direct instruction but also through observation and imitation of the language used by adults and peers around them. These social norms encompass various aspects, such as tone, vocabulary choice, and conversational turn-taking, which can vary significantly across different cultures and social settings.

Understanding these unwritten rules is essential as they help children navigate social interactions and enhance their communicative competence. By picking up on these norms, children learn when to use formal or informal language, how to address different people appropriately, and how to adapt their speech based on the situation, thereby enriching their language development in a social context.