Theories Of Primary Language Acquisition - 2337 Words

Two theories of primary language acquisition emerged from 1950s psychological research: B.F. Skinner’s behaviorist theory and Noam Chomsky’s biological theory of language development. Primary language acquisition addresses specifically the way in which an infant’s native language is beginning to form, starting at birth. Primary language acquisition continues to develop throughout the rest of childhood within the critical period. Skinner argued that children acquire and develop language based purely on the behaviorist theory, which states behaviors are developed and focused around conditioning. If a certain behavior produces a positive outcome, the individual is more likely to repeat that behavior. However, if a certain behavior produces a negative outcome, the individual is less likely to repeat that specific behavior. Conditioning, whether classical or operant, was the sole basis on which children acquired language. In his Verbal Behavior, Skinner gives the following example: â€Å"Out! Has the same ultimate effect as turning the knob and pushing against the door. The explanation of both behaviors is the same.† (Skinner, 1949, p. 35) In this form of operant conditioning, â€Å"Each response is acquired and continues to be maintained in strength because it is frequently followed by an appropriate consequence.† (Skinner, 1949, p. 35) Because â€Å"Out!† is followed by the â€Å"appropria te consequence,† i.e., successfully opening and leaving through the door, the behavior is likely to beShow MoreRelatedInnateness of Children’s Language Acquisition1371 Words   |  6 PagesThe subtlety of language acquisition has been the most fundamental question in the study of linguistics and human development. From Bow-wow Theory to Yo-He-Ho Theory, major theories on the origins and learnability of language have emerged in mid-20th century and heavily debated ever since. Among them, the idea of universal grammar in which is usually credited to linguist Noam Chomsky, remains the most notable and controversial theory over time. He introduced and developed the theory from 1950s to 1970sRead MoreThe subtlety of language acquisition has been the most fundamental question in the study of1500 Words   |  6 PagesThe subtlety of language acquisition has been the most fundamental question in the study of linguistics and human development. From Bow-wow Theory to Yo-He-Ho T heory, the major theories on language origins and learnability emerged at mid-20th century and has been heavily debated ever since. Among them, the idea of universal grammar in which is usually credited to linguist Noam Chomsky, remains the most notable and controversial theory over time. He introduced and developed the t heory from 1950sRead MoreDiversity And Cultural Issues Of Tesol Education1545 Words   |  7 Pagesstrategies, and approaches for engaging English language learners were examined. Students all over the world learn English for a variety of reasons. Some students must study English as a requirement. Other students may wish to travel, study abroad, or work in the global marketplace where knowledge of the English language is seen as a prerequisite for success. Still other students have migrated to communities where English is spoken as the primary language. 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Language is developed within the first few years of a person s life. By the time one is a child; he can speak and understand almost as well as an adult. Children world-wide exhibit similar patterns of language acquisition even though they may be learning different languages. How humans learn even the most complicated languages has perplexed theRead MoreEssay about How Do Humans Acquire Language?1294 Words   |  6 PagesAcquire Language? nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;Humans live in a world full of communication. Humans possess a native language that separates them from other animals. Language is developed within the first few years of a person’s life. By the time one is a child; he can speak and understand almost as well as an adult. Children world-wide exhibit similar patterns of language acquisition even though they may be learning different languages. How humans learn even the most complicated languages has perplexed