Praxis Theories of Development

nature

nativist-generative view (Chomsky)

language is innate and pre-specified

we are born with language acquisition device

language is separate from other cog systems

nurture

constructionist-interactionist view

environment guides language

no processor in brain specific for language

can't separate language from cog systems

limitations of nativist view

Non Literal Language (idioms), strict focus on syntax, no single grammar to account for all languages. No evidence that children need adult-like rules to acquire language

evidence for nature

- Deaf babies babble; speech and language deficits may be inheritable

- Children follow sequence of developmental milestones

- Language aspects learned without direct instruction (e.g., grammar rules)

- We are born with a language acquisition device (LAD) which determines how we learn language

evidence for nurture

operant conditioning (the results of your past behaviors have conditioned you to either repeat or avoid those behaviors)

Cognitive Theory (Piaget)

* Children learn language like other cognitive skills (Concepts first, then language)

* Language is made possible by cognition and other intellectual processes

* Observe child in play to determine level of representational thought

Semantic Theory (Filmore, Bloom)

- interpretation of messages requires consideration of meaning

- acquisition stimulated by child's desire to communicate and knowledge

Behavioral Theory (Skinner)

- children learn language through conditioning (only what they are exposed to)

- stimulus-response drives language acquisition

- drill and practice - reinforcement

Social Interactionism

- encourage social interactions

- desire to communicate and use of language drives acquisition

- incorporate caregivers and multiple environments into learning

Emergentist Theory

- data and pattern driven, child's ability to use cues develops over time

- neurologically based

Critical Period Hypothesis

must have adequate stimuli before "critical age" (5-7 years old) or full language command cannot be achieved

Phonology- shortest optimal/critical period. need exposure to phonology in first years of life to have native accent

early 8 phonemes

m, b, y, n, w, d, p, h

middle 8 phonemes

t, ng, k, g, f, v, ch, j

Late 8 phonemes

sh, s, th, th, r, z, l, zh