Language Acquisition Theories
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Questions and Answers

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?

<p>A phenomenon that strengthens behavior (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Social interactionist theories (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes environmental theories from nativist theories?

<p>Environmental theories emphasize learning over innate abilities. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>As a series of learned behaviors (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Conditioning and reinforcement (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is another term commonly used for motherese?

<p>Child-directed speech (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Complex vocabulary (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Repetition (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>It becomes more complex (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Infants prefer child-directed speech regardless of language (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>To make speech accessible to children (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Segmentation (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>In nearly all cultures (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Simple and restricted vocabulary (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>It is presented slower than regular adult speech. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>It cannot account for the universality of language development. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of language acquisition challenges the learning theory?

<p>Children's ability to create sentences they've never heard. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is indicated by children using overregularisation during language acquisition?

<p>They apply rules rather than only imitating speech. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Understanding the creativity demonstrated by children in language. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does adult speech influence children's grammar acquisition?

<p>Incomplete and ungrammatical speech does not hinder learning. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>It indicates that innate mechanisms are involved in language acquisition. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement reflects a criticism of imitation in language learning?

<p>Children exposure does not reflect their grammar use. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>It cannot explain the complexities of children's creativity. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Children acquire language rules independent of adult language quality. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Universality in language development indicates innate capabilities. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Feedback that corrects a child's grammatical errors. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>By comparing their errors with the correct forms provided by adults. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>They will begin to learn more complex language structures. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Simple language helps children learn basic language structure. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>To provide grammatical feedback using correct forms. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Child: He BORNED yesterday. Adult: He was BORN yesterday. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the contrast theory of negative input focus on?

<p>The juxtaposition between incorrect and correct forms. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>It is a crucial element in teaching grammar to children. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>It helps children identify and learn from their mistakes. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Need for communication and interaction (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>They think language is learned through social interaction rather than innate ability (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>The social nature of language acquisition (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>It is essential for meaningful conversations (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>The skills of interacting with others (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>It has limited effect on acquisition (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Pragmatics (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Environmental theories of language acquisition

These theories emphasize that learning words and grammar is a process of observation and reinforcement.

Learning theory (language)

A psychological theory suggesting that language learning, like other behaviours, is acquired through reinforcement.

Skinner's theory of language

Behaviourist theory proposing that language is learned through operant or classical conditioning, emphasizing reinforcement.

Operant conditioning (language)

A learning process where a behavior is strengthened by a consequence (e.g., reward).

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Classical conditioning (language)

A learning process where learning occurs through associating a stimulus with a response.

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Reinforcement (language)

Any stimulus that strengthens a behavior and increases its probability of reoccurrence.

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Language as a learned behavior

The idea that language acquisition follows the same principles as other learned behaviours emphasized by Skinner and other behaviourist.

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Verbal Behavior

Skinner's book explaining language as learnable behavior based on conditioning principles.

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Language Acquisition & Learning Theory

The ability of a child to acquire language and whether existing learning theories can adequately explain this process.

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Universal Language Development

The consistent and similar pattern of language development seen across various cultures.

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Learning Theory Limitations

The idea that existing learning theories don't adequately explain the processes of language acquisition in children.

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Language Creativity

Children's ability to produce and understand sentences they haven't heard before.

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Role of Imitation (language)

The extent to which children learn language through mimicking others.

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Ungrammatical Speech

Speech that violates grammatical rules.

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Overregularization

Applying grammatical rules to words inconsistently or wrongly.

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Language Rule Application

The process by which children apply language rules rather than simply imitating.

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Incomplete Sentences

Sentences that have key parts missing.

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Grammatical Errors

Errors in applying language rules.

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Child-directed speech

Simplified and exaggerated way of speaking to children to aid language learning.

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Adult expansions

Corrections of a child's grammatically incorrect sentences, providing the correct form.

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Contrast Theory of Negative Input

Theory suggesting that children learn grammar by contrasting their incorrect sentences with the correct adult versions.

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How does adult expansion aid grammar?

Adult expansions provide correct grammatical models for children to learn from, correcting errors in their speech.

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What is the contrast theory?

The contrast theory suggests that children learn grammatically correct forms by comparing their incorrect sentences with the correct adult responses.

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Messer's Research on Child-Directed Speech

Messer (2000) supports the idea that adult expansions in child-directed speech significantly contribute to grammar development.

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How does the contrast theory link to adult expansions?

The contrast theory explains how adult expansions, by providing correct models alongside incorrect ones, facilitate grammar learning.

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What is the advantage of adult expansions?

Adult expansions provide immediate feedback on grammar, helping children learn correct structures and avoid repeating the same errors.

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Saxton's Examples of Adult Expansions

Saxton (1997) illustrates the contrast theory with examples like "He SHOOTED the fish." (Child) and "He SHOT the fish!" (Adult).

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How does immediate feedback impact language learning?

Immediate feedback, provided through adult expansions, helps children learn grammatical rules rapidly and efficiently by highlighting the contrast between correct and incorrect forms.

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Features of child-directed speech

Child-directed speech involves slower pace, higher pitch, segmented phrases, short sentences, simple grammar, limited vocabulary, and frequent repetition.

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Purpose of child-directed speech

Child-directed speech aims to make the speech clear and accessible to children, facilitating language acquisition.

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How child-directed speech changes

As children grow older and develop language skills, child-directed speech becomes more complex, reflecting their increasing abilities.

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Cultural universality of child-directed speech

Child-directed speech is observed in virtually all cultures, suggesting its importance in language development.

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Infants' preference for child-directed speech

Research shows that infants, regardless of their native language, prefer to listen to child-directed speech.

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Role of child-directed speech in language acquisition

Child-directed speech is believed to play a crucial role in language acquisition, though the precise mechanisms are still being studied.

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Werker et al. (1994) study

A study demonstrating that English and Chinese infants preferred child-directed speech in both English and Cantonese, suggesting its innate appeal.

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Key concepts of child-directed speech

Child-directed speech is characterized by simplified presentation, altered content, and adaptation to the child's growing language proficiency, demonstrating its widespread use and potential benefits in language learning.

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Influence of child-directed speech on language development

Child-directed speech, by providing a clear and accessible language model, facilitates children's language acquisition across cultures, highlighting its crucial role.

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Social Interactionist Theories

Theories emphasizing that the need for communication and interaction with others drives language acquisition.

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LASS

Language Acquisition Socialization System, a theory emphasizing the social nature of language learning.

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Turn-Taking

A vital aspect of communication where participants take turns speaking, crucial for conversation.

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Pragmatics of Language

The study of how language is used in real-world contexts, focusing on social and communicative aspects.

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Social Interaction vs. Nativism

Social interactionists believe language is learned through interaction, while nativists believe it's innate.

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Language is Not Abstract

Social interactionists see language as a practical tool for communicating and interacting with others.

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Exposure to Language

Social interactionists argue that simply being exposed to language is insufficient for acquiring it.

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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

  • 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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Language Acquisition Theories PDF

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.

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