Theories of Language Acquisition Flashcards
formalism
focuses on rules and processes
functionalism
focuses on purpose…why is language used w/ environment
nativism
NATURE
empiricism
NURTURE
domain general
language is part of cognition in general
domain specific
language is individualized
generativist linguistic theory
believe language is innate
the brain is planned to have ability to process language
everyone is born with an language acquisition device
who is associated with the generativisit/linguistic theory?
noam chomsky
what component of language do linguists focus on?
competence (the underlying capacity for language) VS performance (actual productions made)
problems with linguistic theory?
if its innate, it can’t be studied
overly focused on one part of language
slps and linguistic theory
must decide what parameters are and trigger them
behaviorist theory
- language is learned! stimulus-response theory
- primary reinforcers are parents, who model sentences at the childs level
- “shaping” language/vocabulary development
- focus is on performance not competence
behaviorist criticisms
- what about creativity?
- cannot selectively reinforce grammar
- child cannot imitate unless they are about read to acquire it
- parents respond to context not syntax
connectionist models
neural network models nodes organized into layers system detects patterns speech has statistical regularities language is not random
problems with connectionist model?
where/when does detection begin?
slps using connectionist model
must provide patterns frequently, perhaps in using CDS
social interactionist approach
language is developed through social interaction, and is acquired for the purpose of social interaction
we must scaffold child up to the next developmental stage
people associated with social interactionist approach?
bruner, vygotsky
zone of proximal development
use CDS to get into child’s zone, make adjusts, teach concepts beyond knowledge level
criticisms of SI approach
CDS cannot be universal!
constructivism
assumes that many factors affect language development
- child memorizes little chunks and pieces them togethers
- utterances based on patterns, formulas heard in input
