Theories Of Language Deve.

Question 1

How many theories of LD are there?

Answer 1

3

Chomsky, 1965- biological

Bloom/Piaget, 1970/1952- cognitive

Skinner, 1957- environmental (BA)

Question 2

What are the two properties of language?

Answer 2

Form= topography

Function= causes of response

Question 3

Biological theory…

5

Answer 3

LD is a function of physiological processes and functions.

Innate and inherited

MT= Universal Grammar- coding in our genes. A mental software (comp. & b. genetics). Common grammar across languages.

Question 4

Biological criticism?

Answer 4

40+ years of research over 6000+ languages = no UG but increased diversity.

Question 5

Cognitive approach…

3

Answer 5

LD is controlled by internal processes of thought.

3 steps: classification, encoding, storage (= verbal repitoire)

Primary audio/visual cortex responsible.

Question 6

Cognitive criticism?

Answer 6

Classification of terms to similar to bio approach.

Question 7

Environmental BA…

5

Answer 7

Functional how and why VB occurs.

Reinforced through the mediation of another person. (Reinforcement)

LD= acquired, extended and maintained by enviro

Mediated reinforcement- (speaker and listener) stimulus change through another person.

Function doesn’t have to follow form rules!!

Question 8

Support for Enviro…

Answer 8

Reinforcement doesn’t have to be physical- verbal/non verbal suffice.

Form changes- function can’t!!!

Question 9

What are the 3 functional relationships Skinner, 1957 found?

Answer 9

Motivating variables

Discriminative stimulus

Consequences

Question 10

What is the behavioural view on language?

Answer 10

Language is another type of behaviour

Massively complex and highly developed skill

ABA= interest due to social sig.