Theoretical Perspectives

1. Nativist

1.1. Focus on Nature. Language development is caused by inborn or innate human capabilities.

1.2. Theorist-Researcher: Linguist Noam Chomsky

2. Cognitive Developmentalist

2.1. Focus on Nature. Believes as one matures, language is aquired and cognitive competencies develop.

2.2. Theorist-Reseacher: Jean Piaget

3. Interactionist

3.1. Focus on Nurture. Children's development of language knowledge is caused by sociocultural interaction

3.2. Theorist-Researcher: L. Vygotsky, J. Bruner, M. Halliday

4. Behavorist

4.1. Emphasizes the role of nurture. Believes that reinforcements, responses, and stimuli that occurs in the enviroment causes learning.

4.2. Theorist-Researcher: B. Skinner