theories of spoken language

What is the Behaviorist Theory of Language Acquisition?

The theory that language is learned through reinforcement and conditioning from environmental stimuli.

What is the Nativist Theory of Language Acquisition?

The theory that humans are born with an innate ability to learn language, often associated with Noam Chomsky.

What is the Interactionist Theory of Language Acquisition?

The theory that language development is influenced by the interaction between innate biological mechanisms and social environments.

What does the Social Interactionist Theory emphasize?

It emphasizes the role of social interactions in developing language skills.

What is Universal Grammar?

A theory proposed by Chomsky that suggests all human languages share a common structural basis.

What is Constructivist Theory in relation to language?

A theory that posits language learning is a process of constructing knowledge based on experiences.

What is the Critical Period Hypothesis?

It is the idea that there is a limited time in which language acquisition occurs most easily, typically in early childhood.

What role does cognitive development play in language acquisition according to Piaget?

Cognitive development influences the way children understand and produce language as they develop.

What is the 'Input Hypothesis' proposed by Krashen?

The thesis that language learners acquire language by receiving input that is slightly above their current proficiency level.

What is the difference between 'acquisition' and 'learning' according to Krashen?

Acquisition is a subconscious process of gaining language competence, while learning is a conscious understanding of language rules.

What is the Functionalist approach to language?

It views language primarily as a tool for communication, emphasizing its social functions in society.

What does the Connectionist Theory propose about language learning?

It suggests language acquisition is a gradual process formed through the strengthening of neural connections.

What is the Chomsky Hierarchy?

A classification of formal languages based on their generative power, including regular, context-free, context-sensitive, and recursively enumerable languages.

What is the role of imitation in the Behaviorist theory?

Imitation is considered essential for children to learn language by mimicking sounds and words they hear.

What is 'Scaffolding' in language acquisition?

A teaching method that involves providing support to learners to help them achieve a higher level of understanding.

What is a key criticism of the Nativist Theory?

Critics argue that it does not sufficiently explain how children learn the complexities of language in detail.

What does the term 'semantic-pragmatic theory' refer to?

It focuses on how meaning and context influence the way language is understood and used.

What is the role of peer interaction in language acquisition according to Vygotsky's theory?

Peer interaction facilitates language development through social negotiation of meaning.

What is the Input-Output Hypothesis?

It proposes that exposure to language input is necessary for the production of language output.

What are 'Language Universals'?

Features or characteristics common to all human languages, which support the idea of a universal grammar.

What is the significance of storytelling in language development?

Storytelling develops narrative skills, vocabulary, and comprehension among language learners.

What does 'Lexical Access' refer to in language processing?

The process of retrieving the meaning of words from memory during comprehension and production.

What is the Social-Based Theory of Language Development?

A theory that argues children learn language through the social context in which they are immersed.

What is the role of feedback in language learning according to Interactionist Theory?

Feedback from interactions helps learners adjust and improve their language use.

What does the term 'Bilingual Advantage' refer to?

The cognitive and linguistic benefits gained from being fluent in two languages.