1. The Nativist perspective believes that "inborn or innate human capabilities are responsible for language development" (Otto, 2010, p. 27). This perspective focuses more on the "nature" of a child.
1.1. Sub Idea 1
1.2. Sub Idea 2
2. Interactionist
2.1. The Interactionist perspective "focuses on the primary role of sociocultural interaction in children's development of language knowledge" (Otto, 2010, p.33). Children learn to speak through their want and desire to communicate with those around them.
2.2. Lev Vygotsky was an Interactionist Theorist. He felt that children learn the most through play and interacting with others.
3. Cognitive Developmentalist
3.1. The idea that "language is acquired as maturation occurs and cognitive competencies develop" (Otto, 2010, p. 30). This perspective focuses on the growth of the child. As the child matures and gets older, they will be able to better understand the environment around them. Thus, allowing them to enhance their language skills.
3.2. A popular cognitive developmental theorist was Jean Piaget. He believed that children's development was broken down into stages.
4. Nativist
4.1. Linguist Noam Chomsky was associated with this perspective. He believed that children are already born with language skills and knowledge.
5. Behavorist
5.1. This perspective "emphasizes the role of nurture and considers learning to occur based on the stimuli, responses, and reinforcements that occur in the environment" (Otto, 2010, p.31). Behavorists believe that language skills are learned by observing people in the environment.
5.2. Theorist associated with this perspective was B.F. Skinner
