Deep Dive into Interactionist Theories

Question 1

What is the core idea of the Interactionist Theory of Language Acquisition?

Answer 1

Language develops through social interaction between children and their caregivers.

Question 2

Which psychologist’s work is foundational to the Interactionist Theory?

Answer 2

Lev Vygotsky.

Question 3

What concept did Vygotsky introduce that is crucial to understanding language development?

Answer 3

The Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD).

Question 4

Define the Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD).

Answer 4

The difference between what a child can do independently and what they can achieve with guidance.

Question 5

How does the ZPD relate to language learning?

Answer 5

Children learn language effectively when interacting within their ZPD, with support from more knowledgeable individuals.

Question 6

Who introduced the concept of the Language Acquisition Support System (LASS)?

Answer 6

Jerome Bruner.

Question 7

What is the Language Acquisition Support System (LASS)?

Answer 7

The strategies and support provided by caregivers to facilitate a child’s language development.

Question 8

How do caregivers contribute to language acquisition according to Interactionist Theory?

Answer 8

Through scaffolding, modeling language, and engaging in meaningful communication.

Question 9

What is scaffolding in the context of language learning?

Answer 9

Providing structured support to help a child progress in their language abilities.

Question 10

How does social interaction influence language development?

Answer 10

It exposes children to language use in context, aiding comprehension and production.

Question 11

What role does imitation play in Interactionist Theory?

Answer 11

Children imitate the language patterns of those around them, facilitating learning.

Question 12

How does feedback from caregivers aid language acquisition?

Answer 12

Positive reinforcement and corrections help children refine their language skills.

Question 13

What is child-directed speech (CDS)?

Answer 13

Simplified and exaggerated speech used by adults when communicating with young children.

Question 14

Why is child-directed speech important in language development?

Answer 14

It captures the child’s attention and makes language features more noticeable.

Question 15

How does the Interactionist Theory differ from the Nativist Theory?

Answer 15

Interactionist Theory emphasizes social interaction, while Nativist Theory focuses on innate biological mechanisms.

Question 16

What evidence supports the Interactionist Theory?

Answer 16

Observations of children developing language skills through social interactions across diverse cultures.

Question 17

How does the Interactionist Theory view the role of the environment in language learning?

Answer 17

It sees the environment as crucial, providing necessary social contexts for language development.

Question 18

Can language acquisition occur without social interaction according to Interactionist Theory?

Answer 18

No, social interaction is essential for meaningful language development.

Question 19

How do cultural differences impact language acquisition in the Interactionist perspective?

Answer 19

Different social interactions and communication styles influence the way language is learned.

Question 20

What is the main criticism of the Interactionist Theory?

Answer 20

It may underestimate the role of innate biological factors in language acquisition.