Theoretical Perspective

1. Cognitive Developmentalist: emphasizes that language is acquires as maturation occurs and cognitive competencies develop (Otto, 2010). The theorist-researcher associated with this perspective is Piaget.

2. Interactionist: emphasizes on the primary role of sociocultural interaction in children's development of language knowledge (Otto, 2010). The theorists associated with this perspective are Vygotsky, Bruner, and Halliday.

3. Behaviorist: emphasizes the role of "nurture" and considers learning to occur based on the stimuli, responses, and reinforcements that occur in the environment (Otto, 2010). The theorist-researcher associated with this prospective is Skinner.

4. Nativist: emphasizes inborn or innate human capabilities (i.e., "nature") as being responsible for language development (Otto, 2010). The theorist-researcher associated with this prospective is Chomsky.