Language theorists Flashcards
(15 cards)
What is the Language Acquisition Device (LAD)?
The LAD is Chomsky’s concept of an innate, biological endowment that equips humans with a universal grammar, enabling them to learn language rapidly and generate novel utterances. It’s a theoretical ‘organ’ in the brain.
What is a key strength of Chomsky’s theory?
It effectively explains the speed and complexity of early language acquisition and the ability of children to produce grammatically correct sentences they haven’t heard before (generativity). It highlights the biological basis of language.
What is a common limitation or criticism of Chomsky’s theory?
It doesn’t fully account for the significant role of social interaction, cultural influences, and the specific input children receive in shaping language development. It focuses more on the underlying structure than the practical use of language.
How do children develop their understanding of language according to Piaget?
Piaget believed children develop language alongside their cognitive development. They construct understanding through mental structures called ‘schemas’ and language acquisition is linked to their exploration and interaction with the world.
Briefly describe Piaget’s Sensorimotor stage and its relation to language development.
(Birth - 2 years) Infants learn through senses and motor actions. Early language is tied to concrete objects and actions (e.g., naming objects they can see and touch). Object permanence is a key cognitive development that precedes the consistent use of object names.
Briefly describe Piaget’s Preoperational stage and its relation to language development.
(2 - 7 years) Children develop symbolic thought and language becomes more complex. However, thinking is often egocentric, and they may struggle with logic and abstract concepts. Language is used but may not always be logically connected.
Briefly describe Piaget’s Concrete Operational stage and its relation to language development.
(7 - 11 years) Children develop logical thinking about concrete events. Their language becomes more logical and they can understand concepts like conservation. They can classify and seriate, which is reflected in their language use.
Briefly describe Piaget’s Formal Operational stage and its relation to language development.
(11+ years) Adolescents develop abstract thought and hypothetical reasoning. Their language becomes more sophisticated, allowing them to discuss abstract ideas, understand nuances, and use complex grammatical structures.
What is a strength of Piaget’s theory in relation to language development?
It highlights the interconnectedness between cognitive and linguistic development, emphasizing that a child’s understanding of the world influences their language acquisition. It provides a framework for understanding how language abilities change across developmental stages.
What is a common limitation or criticism of Piaget’s theory in relation to language development?
It may underestimate the influence of social interaction and language input from others in driving language development. Some research suggests children can acquire certain language skills even if their cognitive development hasn’t fully reached the predicted stage.
What is Bruner’s Language Acquisition Support System (LASS)?
The LASS refers to the social and interactional environment provided by caregivers that helps children learn language. It emphasizes the role of scaffolding, routines, and supportive interactions in facilitating language acquisition.
What is a key strength of Bruner’s LASS theory?
It emphasizes the crucial role of the social environment and caregiver input in language development, providing a more interactional perspective compared to Chomsky’s focus on innate abilities. It highlights practical strategies for supporting language learning.
What is a potential limitation of Bruner’s LASS theory?
While it highlights the importance of support, it may not fully explain the initial emergence of grammatical structures and the child’s innate capacity to process language, which Chomsky’s theory addresses. It can also vary significantly across cultures and caregivers.
How does Vygotsky believe language is developed?
Vygotsky argued that language develops through social interaction and communication. He emphasized the role of more knowledgeable others in guiding a child’s learning within their Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD).
What is the Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD)?
The ZPD is the gap between what a child can do independently and what they can achieve with guidance and support from a more knowledgeable person. Language development thrives within this zone.
