Theories of Language Development

Behaviorist Theory Focus

Focuses on observable and measurable behaviors.

Behaviorist Theory Limitation

Not a comprehensive theory; fails to explain how individuals produce novel and complex behaviors.

Reinforcement

A consequence or stimulus that increases a child's behaviors.

Extinction

When an adult ignores a behavior, causing the behavior to decrease.

Antecedent

A stimulus that precedes a behavior.

Punishment

A consequence or stimulus that reduces the likelihood of a behavior re-occurring.

Positive vs. Negative Punishment

Positive adds something (e.g., timeout); negative removes something (e.g., car keys).

Chaining

An activity that requires a number of linked steps.

Shaping

Occurs when an individual is expected to gradually match the adult's production.

Constructivist Theory Implication

Symbolic and sociodramatic play should be used as the context of intervention due to high correlation with language ability.

Social Interactionist Theory Implication

Encourages parents and other caregivers to participate in interaction activities.

Social Interactionist Theory Limitation

Does not explain everything; children develop language even in cultures where adults do not direct talk at infants.

Emergentist Theory Clinical Implication

Attends to inconsistencies in a child's language and engages them with targeted features to foster system-wide change.

Language Recasting

A language facilitation technique aligned with emergentist theory.

Emergentist Approach to Second Language (L2)

Considers personality, cognitive abilities, motivation, social support, and other factors beyond the critical period.