Language Development Theories

Question 1

Behavioral Theory

Answer 1

• BF Skinner.
• Verbal behaviors are acquired under conditions of: Stimulation, Response, & Reinforcement.
• Can only learn language they’re exposed to - need world knowledge.
• Target observable behavior & manipulate environment to reinforce desired behavior.

Question 2

Behavioral Theory Terminology

Answer 2

• Mands: requests
• Tacts: descriptions & comments
• Echoics: imitative responses
• Autoclitics: Secondary behaviors that comment upon the cause
• Intraverbals: determined by speaker’s own prior verbal behaviors

Question 3

Nativist Theory

Answer 3

• Syntax theory by Noam Chomsky in the 50’s.
• Syntactic structures are essence of language - universal rules of grammar.
• Born with innate capacity to learn
• LAD (lang. acquisition device) “clicks on” when child is ready.

Question 4

Nativist Theory:

Language Competence vs. Language Performance

Answer 4

• Language Competence: Knowledge of rules of universal grammar (innate)
• Language Performance: Production (imperfect)

Question 5

Cognitive Theory

Answer 5

• Lang. acquisition is made possible by cognition & general intellectual processes
• Knowledge & exposure must precede expression

Question 6

Cognitive Theory Stage 1:

Sensorimotor 0-2 yrs

Answer 6

Birth-2m: reflexive vocal behavior & sensorimotor behavior
2-4 m: Coordinated eye-hand & hand-mouth movements
4-8 m: Child acts on & searches for obj. Imitates sounds & babbles
8-12m: Walking, 1st word, search for hidden obj, Cause-effect with obj.
12-18m:
Obj permanence & imitation
18-24m:
Words used when referents are absent. Solves problems. Symbolic play.

Question 7

Cognitive Theory:

Preoperational 2-7 yrs

Answer 7

Preconceptual (2-4 yrs):
Egocentric. Over & Underextends
Intuitive (4-7 yrs):
Concrete thought

Question 8

Cognitive Theory:
Concrete Operations (7-11 yrs)

Answer 8

• Less egocentric
• Acquires seriation & conversation skills
• Logical

Question 9

Cognitive Theory:
Formal Operations (11+ yrs)

Answer 9

• Lacks egocentrism
• Speaks in abstract
• Inductive & deductive reasoning
• Hypotheticals

Question 10

Information-Processing Theory

Answer 10

Concerned with cognitive functioning, not cognitive structures & concepts.
Dependent upon executive functioning system in place.
Working Memory:
Stimulation–> Attention –> Discrimination
Long-Term Memory:
Organization: Word retrieval –> Memory

Question 11

Social Interactionism Theory

Answer 11

• Vygotsky
• Language structure poss. arisen from language’s social-communicative function
• Emphasize FUNCTION, not structure
• ZPD (Zone of Proximal Development)
• Scaffolding: Supply necessary communicative structure that allow child to communicate despite limited comm. skills