Language Theory

1. Cognitive Developmental

1.1. Jean Piaget

1.1.1. Piaget says for language to exist "capacity for mental representation must be present."

1.2. Language is acquired as the child matures and cognitive competencies develop

1.3. need for knowledge of cognitive developmental stage of child to know how to encourage langauge

2. Interactionist

2.1. Biological and Social

2.2. language is influenced by a childs DESIRE to communicate with others

2.3. Lev Vygotsky

2.3.1. conversations with older people can help chilren both cognitively and linguistically

2.4. need to function in society therefore language is learned

3. Behaviorist

3.1. B.F. Skinner, Ivan Pavlov, John B. Watson

3.2. repitition- imitation- positive reinforcement

3.3. NURTURE

3.3.1. Language is taught.

3.4. Behaviorism is an approach to psychology based on the proposition that behavior can be researched scientifically without recourse to inner mental states.

4. Nativist

4.1. Noam Chomsky

4.1.1. LAD- Language Acquisition Device-inborn mechanism that is specific for language learning

4.2. Universal grammar

4.3. Nature

4.3.1. we are born with innate human capabilities

4.3.2. Instinct