Child Language Acquisition

Question 1

Bruner

Answer 1

Theory: Language Acquisition Support System (LASS)
Main Idea: Adults support language learning through scaffolding, routines, and interaction.

Question 2

Vygotsky

Answer 2

Theory: Social Interactionist Theory
Main Idea: Language develops through social interaction. Introduced the Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD) – children learn best with guidance from a more knowledgeable other

Question 3

Skinner

Answer 3

Theory: Behaviourism
Main Idea: Language is learned through imitation and reinforcement (reward/punishment).

Question 4

Chomsky

Answer 4

Main Idea: Children are born with an innate Language Acquisition Device (LAD) and universal grammar

Question 5

Piaget

Answer 5

Theory: Cognitive Development
Main Idea: Children need certain mental abilities (schemas) before they can use particular language structures.

Question 6

OSHA Goswami

Answer 6

Theory: Phonological Awareness
Main Idea: Children are sensitive to patterns, syllables, and rhymes, helping early language and reading development.

Question 7

Tomasello

Answer 7

Theory: Usage-Based Theory
Main Idea: Language is learned through pattern-finding and intentional use in real social contexts.

Question 8

Bard & Sachs (Jim)

Answer 8

Theory: Importance of Interaction
Main Idea: A hearing boy of deaf parents didn’t develop speech from TV alone – he needed interaction to develop language properly.

Question 9

Michael Halliday

Answer 9

Theory: Functions of Language
Main Idea: Identified 7 functions of language used by children (e.g., instrumental, regulatory, interactional, personal, heuristic, imaginative, informative).

Question 10

David Crystal

Answer 10

Theory: Language Learning in Stages
Main Idea: Children learn language in stages and use it for different functions (e.g., questioning, requesting). Emphasised pragmatics and interaction.