I would like to extend my gratitude to Allah SWT the Almighty for the blessing bestowed upon me during my postgraduate study at the University of Mulawarman Samarinda and the strength given to me during the completion of this thesis.
The completion of this thesis would not have been possible without the endless support from my advisors, Prof. Dr. M. Bahri Arifin, M.Hum, and Dr. Weningtyas Parama Iswari, M.Ed for their guidance during our meetings.
I am thankful for their feedback through the process of writing this thesis which instilled in me a range of perspectives in understanding language acquisition in children. I would like to sincerely thank Dr. Phil. Maria Theodora Ping, M.Sc, Dr. Desy Rusmawaty, M.A, and Dr. Mardliya Pratiwi Zamrudin, M.A for their feedback and corrections in my two seminars. Their input has greatly improved this thesis.
I am also thankful for the enormous support from the Dean of Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, Prof. Dr. H. Muh. Amir Masruhim, M.Kes, and to the Head of Graduate Program, Dr. Aridah, M.A who have been largely supportive for the completion of my study. Furthermore, I would also like to thank the administrative staff for their administrative support which helped me in my study continuously. To the Provincial Office of National Education, East Kalimantan, through the graduate scholarship which enabled me to obtain my M.Pd degree.
I would like to share this gratitude to my dear fellows in the K5P group, for their encouragement and uplifting advice in completing this journey. My parents, who have been caring and understanding toward my study, I would like to extend my gratefulness to them for always reassuring me while completing this thesis.
Finally, I dedicated my gratefulness to my husband Bayu Teguh Renalin whom I can always count on for unconditional support, and my dearest son Daffa Khairul Arkhan for being the source of joy in my life.