AOS 2 Language Acquisition Flashcards
(8 cards)
Child Language Acquisition
Theories of language acquisition have evolved over time with different theories, emphasising various factors, such as innate abilities, environmental influences, and cognitive processes. In the well-known phrase, theories differ in the extent to which they emphasise Nature or Nurture.
Behaviorist Theory
In this view language developed by nurture through environmental stimuli, imitation, reinforcement, and conditioning.
- B.F Skinner was the psychologist
- The behavioural approach emphasises that children learn to speak through imitating the language they hear around them and by positive reinforcement and correction.
- When children utter new phrases and new words, behaviorists assume that positive reinforcement from adults, such as giving the child some milk, motivates further imitation.
Universal Grammer ( UG )
UG theorises that humans have an innate ability to learn and use language.
This innate grammar centres around a set of
rulesfor language that are assumed to be universal; that is, shared by all languages of the world. Research in this area has been characterised as prioritising ‘nature’ over ‘nurture’. This theory was proposed by Noam Chomsky.
Nativist Theories
Chomsky proposed the existence of an innate language acquisition device (LAD) a universal grammar that enables children to acquire language rapidly and efficiently. Those who support the innate theory believe that learning is innate in inborn (nature).His original theory was that human beings are born with Language Acquisition Device (LAD) that is assumed to be a physiological part of the brain that is a specialist language processor.
Chomsky believed that all humans have a biological predisposition to develop language.
Language Acquisition Device ( LAD )
Certain grammatical knowledge is innate or naturally acquired.
Children are born with prior knowledge the features of human language.
Children need to be exposed to language, this exposure ‘triggers’ the LAD.
The LAD in the brain knows that words go into categories and fits them onc
Interactional Theories
Interactionist Theories (late 20th century to present) highlight the interplay between biological factors, cognitive development (nature), and environmental influences (nurture).
These theories suggest that both innate abilities and exposure to language-rich environments contribute to language acquisition.
Interactionism
Interactionist Theories (late 20th century to present) highlight the interplay between biological factors, cognitive development (nature), and environmental influences (nurture). These theories suggest that both innate abilities and exposure to language-rich environments contribute to language acquisition.
Usage Based Theory
This theory focuses on human cognitive abilities and social behaviours to account for language acquisition.
A usage-based account proposes that children build the grammar of their language from tailored interaction, in combination with their general cognitive skills.
The theory also emphasises the importance of child-directed speech, which is different from adult-to-adult speech across cultures.
