Jerome Bruner (Argue This Way - 'On The Fence')

Who proposed that language is social and develops through interaction?

Jerome Bruner.

What did Bruner (1983) say about why children learn language?

Children learn language initially to get what they want, to play games, and to stay connected with those on whom they are dependent.

How is children's language development enriched and accelerated according to Bruner?

Through the quantity and quality of their social interactions with adults.

Which research supports Bruner’s idea that adult interaction boosts language?

Clarke-Stewart (1973) found that children whose mothers talk more have larger vocabularies.

What is scaffolding in language development?

Adults support children’s communication within their ability by 'filling in' or guiding the rest.

What elements are involved in scaffolding according to Wood, Bruner, and Ross (1976)?

Recruiting the learner’s interest, reducing choices, maintaining goal orientation, highlighting critical aspects, controlling frustration, and demonstrating activity paths.

What is LASS according to Bruner?

Language Acquisition Support System; the family and playgroup/peer environment that supports language learning.

How does LASS differ from Chomsky’s LAD?

LASS emphasises social interaction and emotional context, while LAD is an innate biological device for language acquisition.

Did Bruner reject the idea of Chomsky’s LAD?

No — Bruner acknowledged there could very well be a LAD, but children also need the LASS (social support from caregivers and peers) to acquire language effectively.

What are 'ritualised scenarios' in Bruner’s theory?

Predictable, emotionally charged daily activities (like meals, baths, dressing, games) that provide contexts for learning language.

How do ritualised scenarios help language development?

They provide clear, predictable patterns in which children can first understand and later use language.

What is an example Bruner uses to illustrate ritualised language learning?

A game where the caregiver disappears and reappears, e.g., 'bye bye…hello', teaching separation and return alongside language.

What is the role of emotion in Bruner’s LASS?

Emotional content in interactions makes language meaningful and easier to acquire.

What did John Macnamara add to Bruner’s ideas?

Children have an innate capacity to read meaning into social situations, which helps them understand and learn language without needing an LAD.

How does Macnamara’s idea challenge Chomsky?

It suggests that understanding social meaning, not an innate LAD, allows children to acquire language easily.