Theories of Language Learning

Question 1

Describe Nativist Approaches

Answer 1

Acquisition of language is a natural and innate process accomplished by a part of or function of the brain. In reaction to behaviorist theory that children learn language by repeating what they hear. The evidence for Nativist Approaches: Children can learn the complex nuances of language even when the input they receive is degenerate. Children can produce novel utterances they have never heard before. More concerned with the linguistic system underlying second language grammars.

Question 2

Describe the major attributes of Cognitive Approaches (Computational Models).

Answer 2

More concerned with the process of learning an L2 than with the linguistic system.

Question 3

Describe the major attributes of Functional/Pragmatic Approaches

Answer 3

Concerned with the ways in which L2 learners make meaning and achieve their personal goals. Explanations of grammatical structure are based on semantics and pragmatics such as Agent-Action and Topic-Comment structures.

Question 4

Four Major Approaches to SLA Theory

Answer 4

Nativist Approaches Cognitive Approaches (Computational Models) Functional/Pragmatic Approaches Social Interactionist Approaches

Question 5

What researchers are associated with Nativist Approaches?

Answer 5

Chomsky

Krashen

Question 6

Which Approach? Chomsky

Answer 6

Nativist

Question 7

Which Approach? Connectionism

Answer 7

Cognitivist

Question 8

Which Approach? Information Processing

Answer 8

Cognitivist

Question 9

Which Approach? Universal Grammar

Answer 9

Nativist