Language Acquisition Theories

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What do environmental theories of language acquisition emphasize?

Biological factors in language development

The social interactions involved in language usage

Learning both words and grammar (correct)

An innate ability to understand language

According to nativist theories, what is believed about language acquisition?

We have an innate ability to recognize and use grammar (correct)

It is entirely influenced by environmental factors

It evolves through reinforcement and conditioning

It occurs only through social interactions

Who proposed that language is learned through operant conditioning?

Skinner (correct)

Chomsky

Vygotsky

Piaget

What is a reinforcement in the context of Skinner's language acquisition theory?

A phenomenon that strengthens behavior Signup and view all the answers

Which theory emphasizes the importance of social interaction in language acquisition?

Social interactionist theories Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes environmental theories from nativist theories?

Environmental theories emphasize learning over innate abilities. Signup and view all the answers

In Skinner's view, how is language best understood?

As a series of learned behaviors Signup and view all the answers

What concept is closely related to Skinner's theory of language acquisition?

Conditioning and reinforcement Signup and view all the answers

What is another term commonly used for motherese?

Child-directed speech Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of child-directed speech?

Complex vocabulary Signup and view all the answers

What element is frequently used in child-directed speech to enhance understanding?

Repetition Signup and view all the answers

How does child-directed speech typically change as children grow older?

It becomes more complex Signup and view all the answers

What was the main finding of Werker et al. (1994) regarding infants' preferences?

Infants prefer child-directed speech regardless of language Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the primary purpose of child-directed speech?

To make speech accessible to children Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of child-directed speech helps make phrases clearer?

Segmentation Signup and view all the answers

In which of the following contexts does child-directed speech primarily appear?

In nearly all cultures Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a common feature of the vocabulary used in child-directed speech?

Simple and restricted vocabulary Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about the presentation of child-directed speech is accurate?

It is presented slower than regular adult speech. Signup and view all the answers

What does Chomsky suggest about the learning theory's ability to explain language acquisition?

It cannot account for the universality of language development. Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of language acquisition challenges the learning theory?

Children's ability to create sentences they've never heard. Signup and view all the answers

What is indicated by children using overregularisation during language acquisition?

They apply rules rather than only imitating speech. Signup and view all the answers

What difficulty does the learning theory face according to the provided content?

Understanding the creativity demonstrated by children in language. Signup and view all the answers

How does adult speech influence children's grammar acquisition?

Incomplete and ungrammatical speech does not hinder learning. Signup and view all the answers

What implication does the universality of language development have on learning theories?

It indicates that innate mechanisms are involved in language acquisition. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement reflects a criticism of imitation in language learning?

Children exposure does not reflect their grammar use. Signup and view all the answers

Why might learning theory struggle to explain children's language acquisition?

It cannot explain the complexities of children's creativity. Signup and view all the answers

What does the presence of fragments and poor grammar in adult speech imply about children's learning?

Children acquire language rules independent of adult language quality. Signup and view all the answers

What does Chomsky's perspective suggest about language development across cultures?

Universality in language development indicates innate capabilities. Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by adult expansions in child-directed speech?

Feedback that corrects a child's grammatical errors. Signup and view all the answers

How do children learn from negative input according to Saxton's contrast theory?

By comparing their errors with the correct forms provided by adults. Signup and view all the answers

What is a likely outcome when children master the basics of child-directed speech?

They will begin to learn more complex language structures. Signup and view all the answers

What does Messer (2000) claim about child-directed speech?

Simple language helps children learn basic language structure. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of adult expansions in child language development?

To provide grammatical feedback using correct forms. Signup and view all the answers

Which example best illustrates Saxton’s theory of negative input?

Child: He BORNED yesterday. Adult: He was BORN yesterday. Signup and view all the answers

What does the contrast theory of negative input focus on?

The juxtaposition between incorrect and correct forms. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements reflects common beliefs about child-directed speech?

It is a crucial element in teaching grammar to children. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the function of feedback in child-directed speech?

It helps children identify and learn from their mistakes. Signup and view all the answers

What do social interactionist theories of language acquisition emphasize as the driving force behind language development?

Need for communication and interaction Signup and view all the answers

How do social interactionists differ from nativists in their view of language acquisition?

They think language is learned through social interaction rather than innate ability Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of language learning is emphasized by Bruner's language acquisition socialization system (LASS)?

The social nature of language acquisition Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of 'turn-taking' in language interactions according to the content?

It is essential for meaningful conversations Signup and view all the answers

According to social interactionist theories, what precedes the comprehension and production of language in infants?

The skills of interacting with others Signup and view all the answers

What do social interactionist theorists believe about mere exposure to language?

It has limited effect on acquisition Signup and view all the answers

What part of language do social interactionists focus on more than nativists?

Pragmatics Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Theories of Language Acquisition

Language development is rapid, with children largely mastering complex language skills by ages 5 or 6.
Theories of language acquisition fall into three categories: environmental, nativist, and social interactionist.

Environmental Theories

Environmental theories emphasize the role of learning in acquiring both words and grammar.
Behaviourist theory (Skinner, 1957) suggests language is learned through operant conditioning, reinforcement, and shaping.
Attention, praise, and reinforcement strengthen language behaviours.
Selective reinforcement and behaviour shaping mould simple language into complex language.
Child-directed speech ("motherese") is a simplified form of speech used by adults to help children acquire language: it is slower, higher pitched, and uses short sentences and simple vocabulary.

Nativist Theories

Nativist theories suggest an innate ability to acquire language.
Chomsky (1957, 1959, 1965) proposed the Language Acquisition Device (LAD).
The LAD enables children to identify the grammar of their language by recognizing linguistic universals.
Children are able to generate novel sentences that they have never heard.
Children use rules to generate correct grammar and apply rules despite incomplete or incorrect sentences they hear.
The theory is criticised due to its disregard for the social and communicative aspects of language.

Social interactionist theories highlight the importance of communication and social interaction.
Language is an active skill developed through interaction with others.
Bruner (1983) described the Language Acquisition Socialization System (LASS), focusing on the social nature of language acquisition.
Turn-taking, simplification of speech, and feedback during communication are important aspects impacting language learning and development.
Language acquisition occurs in a social context.

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Description

Explore the various theories of language acquisition, including environmental, nativist, and social interactionist perspectives. Understand how children acquire language and the different factors influencing this rapid development. This quiz will test your knowledge on key theories and terminologies related to language learning.