Final answer:
The concept of 'contrast assumption', or mutual exclusivity, refers to the children's assumption that each object has only one name. This assumption helps children acquire language rapidly by guiding their word learning process and allowing them to make connections between linguistic labels and objects in their environment.
Step-by-step explanation:
The concept of 'contrast assumption', also known as mutual exclusivity, refers to the assumption made by children that each object has only one label or name.
This assumption impacts children's understanding of language and the world around them by allowing them to make quick and efficient connections between linguistic labels and objects in their environment. For example, when a child is introduced to a new word, they are likely to assume that it refers to an object that they do not already have a word for.
This concept helps children acquire language rapidly by guiding their word learning process. By assuming that each object has a unique label, children can easily map new words to new objects, expanding their vocabulary and understanding of the world. They use contrast assumption to infer the meaning of unfamiliar words based on the context and their existing knowledge of objects and labels.