Language Acquisition Theories

The Nature vs. Nurture debate is between the two approaches:

Generative and interactionist

Generative (AKA Nativist)

Children learn language through innate rules, Children come to understand structure (syntax) by learning rules specific to his/her language

Interactionist (AKA Constructivism or Emergentism)

Children learn language from environmental input using general brain processes that best accomplish social goals. Through repeated use, children figure out the language rules

Generative: Nature or Nurture?

Nature

Interactionist: Nature or Nurture?

Nurture

Generative focus is on which aspect of language?

Form

Interactionist focus is on which aspect of language?

Use

What is the generative view of role of cognition?

The human brain contains structures dedicated to learning, processing, and using language

What is the interactionist view of role of cognition?

The human brain is complex, and language is just one of its many functions; Language form and use evolve from this complexity and the need to be social

Words and phrases that belong to the generative approach:

Chomsky

Innate

LAD

language universals

grammar

syntax/structure

universal grammar

transformational rules

Words and phrases that belong to the Interactionist approach:

MacWhinney

environment

social

general brain processes

Behavioral Theory Learning

Language is a learned behavior (like any other). Caregivers model language for children, and children imitate these models.The caregivers then reinforce correct imitations. Syntax is learning by chaining words together in a way where one word serves as the stimulus for the next

Behavioral Learning Theory: Nature vs. Nurture

Nurture

What aspect of language does Behavioral Learning Theory focus on?

Form, content, and use (learned through imitation and reinforcement)

Behavioral Learning Theory Role of cognition:

Children are rather passive to the learning process. Knowledge is behavioral responses or changes to environmental stimuli

Key words and phrases for Behavioral Learning Theory:

Skinner

reinforcement

imitation

punishment

reward

consequence

chaining

Cognitivist Learning Theory

Language is learned because of the thought processes that underlie human behavior. Behavioral changes are indicative of thought

Cognitivist Learning Theory: Nature or nurture?

Nature

What aspect of language does Cognitivist Learning Theory focus on?

Content

Cognitivist Learning Theory role of cognition:

Children are active learners who assimilate and accommodate new information. Knowledge is gained using cognitive structures

Key words and phrases for Cognitivist Learning Theory:

Piaget

Information Processing Theory

schemes

assimilation

accommodation

adaptation

equilibrium

organization

memory

stimuli

though

Social Constructivist Learning Theory:

The social aspect of communication is essential for exposure to language that children need and is how humans construct their reality. Language isa social tool that is primarily learned socially

Social Constructivist Learning Theory: Nature or Nurture?

both

What aspect of language does Social Constructivist Learning Theory focus on?

Use

Social Constructivist Learning Theory Role of Cognition:

Children are changed by and change the environment. Social interactions construct children's knowledge.Assimilation and accommodation are collaborative processes through social interactions by children and caregivers. Children have cognitive and social needs. Children become social beings because their loved ones treat them as such

Key Words and phrases for the Social Constructivist Learning Theory:

Vygotsky

Brunner

Zone of ProximalDevelopment (ZPD)

social knowledge

communication