Language Acuisition Theoretical Perspectives

1. NATIVIST

1.1. The nativist perspective of Noam Chomsky states that children acquire language by discovering the structure of their native language and this process is theoretically aided by an inborn Language Acquisition Device.

2. BEHAVIORIST

2.1. The behaviorist theory of B.F.Skinner considers the child to be a 'blank slate' of which learning occurs based on environmental stimuli, responses, and reinforcements.

3. COGNITVE DEVELOPMENTALIST

3.1. The cognitive developmentalist perspective of Jean Piaget states that language is acquired as maturation occurs and cognitive competencies develop. Cognitive development is a prerequisite and foundation for learning language.

4. INTERACTIONIST

4.1. Lee Vygotskys' interactionist perspective contends that children acquire language in their attempts to communicate with the world around them by associating speech sounds with meaning and then beginning to use words and phrases