Theoretical Perspectives of Language Acquisition
by Saundra Davison
1. NURTURE
1.1. The BEHAVIORIST Perspective
1.1.1. Skinner
1.2. Language acquisition is based on stimuli, responses, and reinforcements received from the environment
1.3. Operant conditioning determines whether a behavior will be repeated based on the reinforcement received
1.4. Imitative speech occurs when an infant tries to model the exact sound made by an adult
1.5. Positive and excited feedback encourage a child's willingness to attempt language
2. NURTURE
2.1. The INTERACTIONIST Perspective
2.1.1. Vygotsky, Bruner, Halliday
2.2. Language is acquired through sociocultural interactions out of a need to function in society
2.3. Language is a "process" not a "product" of development
2.4. There exists an intentionality of the child to be an active learner in the process
2.5. The environment, human capacity to learn, and cognitive development all influence language knowledge
3. NATURE
3.1. The NATIVIST Perspective
3.1.1. Noam Chomsky
3.2. Language acquisition based on INNATE human capabilities
3.3. "Universal Grammar" is innate to the human mind
3.4. Language is a "well engineered biological instinct"
3.5. LAD or Language Acquisition Device allows a child to instinctively grasp and process language mechanics
4. NATURE
4.1. The COGNITIVE DEVELOPMENTALIST Perspective
4.1.1. Jean Piaget