Theorists

Question 1

Chomsky

Answer 1

• Believed that we are born with the instinct to detect grammar, make sense of sounds, to learn and develop language ‘innate.’ He named this “Language Acquisition Device”
• Strength ~ explains how children develop language.
• Limitation ~ does NOT focus on the role of adults which is recognised as essential.

Question 2

Bruner

Answer 2

• Adults instinctively know how to support a child’s language, e.g. simplifying.
• Bruner used “Language Acquisition Support System (LASS).”
• Strengths ~ explains how adults universally talk differently to babies than adults.

Question 3

Piaget

Answer 3

• Children’s thinking develops over time, language was to support thoughts.
• He used “schema” to explain patterns or conclusions as a result of thinking process.
• His theory has 4 stages: sensorimotor, pre-operational, concrete operations, and formal operation.
• Strengths ~ explains why young children talk to themselves.
• Limitations ~ he underestimated young children’s ability to think logically.

Question 4

Vygotsky

Answer 4

• Believed there is a link between language and cognitive development, and that language is central to learning.
• Children use language to think.
• Believed by the age of 2-3, children use language to help control behaviour and thoughts, and how they interact with others.
• Strengths ~ explains why children who have quality interactions with adults may develop better thinking skills.

Question 5

Skinner

Answer 5

• Behaviourist model of language.
• Believed children learn language as they would other skills with reinforcement.
• Children develop language through external stimuli - when an adult smiles at a baby, they babble more.
• limitation ~ does NOT explain the way in which language develops, and how grammar develops regardless of where they are.