Child Language Acquisition Theories Flashcards

Flashcards covering theories and theorists in child language acquisition.

Innateness Theory

Noam Chomsky's theory that the capacity and apparatus for learning language are already present at birth.

Language Acquisition Device (LAD)

According to Chomsky, the LAD is a hypothetical tool in the brain that allows children to assemble rules about language as they hear it.

Behaviorist Theory

B.F. Skinner's belief that language is a learned behavior rather than innate.

Blank Slate

Skinner's view of a child's brain, ready to learn language through interaction.

Operant Conditioning

Skinner's term for learning through positive and negative reinforcement.

Language Acquisition Support System (LASS)

Bruner's theory that interactions between a child and their caretakers are crucial to language development.

Child Directed Speech (CDS)

The modified speech used by adults when talking to children, often including slower pronunciation, higher pitch, and exaggerated intonation.

Expansion

When a caretaker explains the word that the child utters.

Recasting

When a caretaker extends, rephrases, and comments on what a child utters.

Cognitive Theory

Piaget's theory that language acquisition is part of a child's cognitive development, where language comes with understanding.

Sensorimotor Stage

Piaget's first stage of cognitive development (birth to age 2) where children learn through senses and motor movements.

Preoperational Stage

Piaget's second stage of cognitive development (ages 2-7) marked by language development and symbolic play.

Concrete Operational Stage

Piaget's third stage of cognitive development (ages 7-11) where logical thought emerges.

Formal Operational Stage

Piaget's fourth stage of cognitive development (age 12 into adulthood) where abstract thought and deductive reasoning develop.

Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD)

Vygotsky's concept of the gap between what a child can do alone and what they can do with support.

Scaffolding

Support provided by a mentor, teacher, or peer to help a child achieve something within their Zone of Proximal Development.

Instrumental Function

Halliday's function of language used to fulfill a need (e.g., 'I want a drink').

Regulatory Function

Halliday's function of language used to control or influence the behavior of others.

Interactional Function

Halliday's function of language used to develop social relationships.

Personal Function

Halliday's function of language used to express personal opinions and feelings.

Representational Function

Halliday's function of language used to exchange or relay information.

Imaginative Function

Halliday's function of language used to explore one's imagination and for storytelling.

Heuristic Function

Halliday's function of language used to explore the world and to learn and discover.