Bruner

Question 1

What theory did Bruner propose?

Answer 1

Social interaction

Question 2

How does he question Chomsky’s theory?

Answer 2

Accepts LAD but claims it’s insufficient to explain evidence like Genie case

Question 3

What new system does he propose?

Answer 3

LASS - language acquisition support system

Using child directed speech and breaks language into understandable chunks

Question 4

What is meant by child directed speech?

Answer 4

Phonology - longer pauses
- speaking slowly
- exaggeration
Lexis and semantics - use child’s words
- frequently use child’s name
- repetition
- more commands
- questions
- re-casting (correcting utterances)

Question 5

How does Bruner build on Chomsky’s theory?

Answer 5

Mother guides language
Child has ability to learn (LAD) but needs interactional framework
Referred to this framework as scaffolding meaning mother understands child’s ability and allows it to develop