Language Theories PDF

Week 2. Modern linguistics Language theories Dr. Mohammed ALHarbi, PhD, MSc. SLP [email protected] Learning objectives of this lecture: 1. Describe modern linguistics 2. Defne and compare between diferent language theories...

Week 2. Modern linguistics Language theories Dr. Mohammed ALHarbi, PhD, MSc. SLP [email protected] Learning objectives of this lecture: 1. Describe modern linguistics 2. Defne and compare between diferent language theories 2 Modern Linguistics Earliest records of discussion about languges date back about 4,000 years ago in Mesopotamia. Scribes documented Sumerian nouns and verbs due to its declining everyday use. Similar traditions in ancient India, Greece, and Rome 3 Linguistics in the Middle Ages Intensifed study of language during the Middle Ages. European colonialism in the 15th century exposed Europeans to diverse languages. Discovery of linguistic relationships between languages. 4 Development of the Comparative Method Systematic approach to identifying relationships between languages. Perfected by the late 19th century. The comparative method became foundational for historical linguistics 5 Emergence of Modern Linguistics Shift in focus from historical linguistics to understanding language as a system. Birth of structuralism in linguistics. Key fgure: Ferdinand de Saussure (1857–1913)g 6 Ferdinand de Saussure and Structuralism Saussure's contribution to linguistics. His work "Course in General Linguistics" (published posthumously in 1916). Foundation of modern linguistic theory. 7 Modern Linguistics as an Empirical Science Focus on describing and explaining language patterns. Need for theory to account for these patterns. 8 Modern Linguistics as an Empirical Science Two main theoretical approaches: Formal and Functional. Formal Linguistics: Views language as an algebraic system governed by rules. Functional Linguistics: Focuses on language's development to serve human life functions. 9  Formal vs. Functional linguistics Aspect Formal linguistics Structural linguistics Core focus Structure of language (syntax, phonology, Functions and uses of language in semantics) communication Main concept Rules and formal systems that define language How language is used to achieve specific communicative goals Approach Descriptive and theory-driven Descriptive and context-driven Syntax vs. Semantics Focuses on syntax as primary, with semantics Sees syntax and semantics as secondary interdependent Language Emphasizes innate structures and Focuses on social interaction and Acquisition universal grammar contextual learning Research Methods Formal models, logical analysis Discourse analysis, ethnographic studies Language Change Views change as a result of internal rules Sees change as influenced by and structures social and communicative needs 10 Nativist theory (Naom Chomoskyg Definition: Proposes that humans are biologically equipped with an innate language faculty. Core Idea: Language acquisition is not solely dependent on environmental input; rather, it is guided by inborn structures in the brain. 11 Nativist theory (Naom Chomoskyg Evidence Supporting Nativist Theory Poverty of the Stimulus: Children can understand and generate sentences they have never heard before, indicating that they use internal rules rather than just mimicking adults. Consistent Stages of Development: Children across different cultures go through similar stages of language acquisition (e.g., babbling, single words, two-word phrases). Universal Language Patterns: Similar grammatical structures and principles are observed across unrelated languages, supporting the idea of a universal grammar 12 Key Concepts in Chomskyan Linguistics Innateness Concept: The idea that certain aspects of linguistic knowledge are inherent in humans rather than learned from the environment. Universal Grammar: All humans are born with an innate understanding of the basic principles of grammar. Language Acquisition: Children naturally acquire language with minimal external input, suggesting an inborn linguistic capacity. Evidence: Consistent stages of language development across diferent cultures and languages. 13 Key Concepts in Chomskyan Linguistics Universality Concept: The principle that certain grammatical structures are common across all languages. Universal Grammar: A set of grammatical rules and principles shared by all human languages. Language Parameters: Languages vary by specifc parameters within the universal framework (e.g., word order, agreementg. Cross-Linguistic Similarities: Common features observed in diferent languages support the idea of a universal grammar. 14 Key Concepts in Chomskyan Linguistics Generative Grammar Concept: A formal system for describing the syntax of natural languages. Definition: A set of rules that generates all and only the grammatical sentences of a language. Components: - Syntax: The rules governing sentence structure. - Transformations: Operations that relate diferent sentence structures (e.g., changing a statement into a questiong. Purpose: To model linguistic competence (the internal knowledge of 15 Key Concepts in Chomskyan Linguistics Markedness Concept: The idea that some linguistic forms or structures are more "marked" or complex than others, which impacts their usage and representation. UnMarked vs. Unmarked: Marked: More specifc, less common forms (e.g., irregular verbsg. Unmarked: More general, common forms (e.g., regular verbsg. Implications: Marked forms often have more specifc, less frequent occurrences and can be seen as more complex. Theoretical Role: Helps explain linguistic phenomena such as language 16 Nativist theory: Criticisms Overemphasis on Innateness: Some argue that the theory downplays the role of social interaction and environmental influence. Lack of Empirical Evidence for LAD: The Language Acquisition Device is a theoretical construct without direct neurological evidence. Complexity of Language Diversity: The theory may not fully account for the vast diversity and variability of world languages. 17  Summarize the Chomoskyan linguistics concepts Innatness: Highlights the inherent linguistic capacity of humans. Universality: Emphasizes common grammatical principles across languages. Generative Grammar: Provides a formal framework for understanding language structure. Markedness: Explains the complexity and usage patterns of diferent linguistic forms. 18 Behavioral language theory (Skinner 1904–1990) 19 Behavioral Language Theory ( Skinner 1904–1990) Definition: A theory of language acquisition and use that emphasizes observable behavior and the role of environmental stimuli. Foundation: Based on principles of behaviorism, which argue that all behavior is learned through interactions with the environment. Core Idea: Language is learned through reinforcement and conditioning. 20 Principles of Behavioral Language Theory Operant Conditioning: Learning through reinforcement and punishment. Reinforcement: Positive feedback encourages repetition of desired language behaviors. Punishment: Negative feedback discourages undesired language behaviors. Imitation: Language learning occurs through imitation of adult speech. Shaping: Gradual reinforcement of progressively closer approximations to target language behavior. 21 Principles of Behavioral Language Theory Language Acquisition Process Stimulus-Response: Language is a response to environmental stimuli. Reinforcement: Correct language use is reinforced by social interactions and feedback. Modeling: Children learn language by mimicking the speech of caregivers and peers. 22 Principles of Behavioral Language Theory: Criticisms Complexity of Language: Critics argue that behavioral theory cannot fully account for the complexity and creativity of language use. Innate Structures: Some argue that innate cognitive structures (as proposed by Chomsky) are necessary to explain language acquisition. Limited Scope: Behaviorism focuses on observable behavior but may overlook internal cognitive processes. 23 Principles of Behavioral Language Theory: Applications Educational Methods: Use of reinforcement techniques to teach language skills. Therapeutic Approaches: Behaviorist principles applied in speech-language therapy to modify language behavior. 24 Social-interaction Theory (Lev Vygotsky1896–1934) 25 Social-interaction theory Definition: Language development occurs through social interactions between the child and their environment. Core Idea: Language is both a social and cognitive tool that is developed through interaction. 26 Social-interaction theory Key Principles of this theory: Social Context: Language is learned within a social context through meaningful communication. Scaffolding: Adults and more knowledgeable peers provide support that helps the child progress in language development. Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD):The difference between what a child can do independently and what they can achieve with guidance. 27 Social-interaction theory Language acquisition process based on this theory Joint Attention: Shared focus between child and caregiver is crucial for language learning. Turn-Taking: Language is acquired through interactive dialogues that mimic conversational exchanges. Feedback and Correction: Caregivers provide feedback that helps refine and develop language skills. 28 Social-interaction theory Role of Caregivers Child-Directed Speech: Simplified language used by caregivers (also called "motherese" or "parentese") facilitates language learning. Interactive Techniques: Questioning, expansion, and recasting are methods used to encourage language development. Modeling and Imitation: Children learn by imitating the speech patterns and structures used by adults. 29 Social-interaction theory Evidence Supporting the Theory Early Social Interactions: Children exposed to rich social interaction environments tend to develop language skills more effectively. Language Delay in Isolation: Lack of interaction can lead to delays in language development. Cross-Cultural Studies: Different cultures use varied social interaction strategies, but all facilitate language learning. 30 Social-interaction theory : Criticisms Underestimates Cognitive Factors: Critics argue it may not fully explain the internal cognitive mechanisms of language development. Varied Individual Differences: Does not always account for individual variations in language acquisition. 31 Social-interaction theory : Applications Educational Approaches: Emphasis on interactive learning, dialogic reading, and peer interactions in classrooms. Therapeutic Practices: Speech-language therapy often includes caregiver training to enhance social interactions. 32 Social-interaction theory : Conclusion Social Interaction Theory: Highlights the crucial role of social environment and interaction in language learning. Integrative Approach: Combines behavioral, cognitive, and social aspects, making it a comprehensive framework for understanding language development. 33 Social-interaction theory : Conclusion Cognitive Theory of Language suggests that language acquisition is closely linked to the development of cognitive abilities. It emphasizes the role of mental processes, such as perception, memory, and problem-solving, in the development of language skills rather than specialized innate mechanisms. Core Idea: Language is one of many cognitive skills that develop through interaction with the environment and cognitive maturation. 34 Cognitive Theory (Lev Vygotsky and Jean Piaget) 35 Cognitive theory: Cognitive Theory of Language suggests that language acquisition is closely linked to the development of cognitive abilities. It emphasizes the role of mental processes, such as perception, memory, and problem-solving, in the development of language skills rather than specialized innate mechanisms. Core Idea: Language is one of many cognitive skills that develop through interaction with the environment and cognitive maturation. 36 Cognitive theory: Key Principles Language as a Cognitive Process: Language learning involves the same processes as other forms of learning, such as categorization, memory, and problem-solving. Conceptual Development: Understanding and producing language is linked to the development of cognitive concepts (e.g., object permanence, causality). Symbolic Function: Language is a system of symbols that represents concepts; it emerges from general cognitive development. 37 Cognitive theory: Piaget’s Stages of Cognitive Development Sensorimotor Stage (0-2 years): Basic understanding of objects and causality; precursor to symbolic thought. Preoperational Stage (2-7 years): Rapid language development; use of symbols, but thinking is egocentric and concrete. Concrete Operational Stage (7-11 years): Logical thinking develops; understanding of complex sentences and grammar. Formal Operational Stage (12+ years): Abstract thinking; full mastery of complex language and metaphorical expressions. 38 Cognitive theory: Role of Cognitive Development in Language Acquisition Schema Formation: Cognitive structures that help children understand and produce language. Assimilation and Accommodation: Assimilation: Integrating new experiences into existing cognitive schemas. Accommodation: Modifying cognitive schemas to incorporate new linguistic information. Egocentric Speech: Seen as a bridge between internal thought and external communication. 39 Cognitive theory: Evidence Supporting Cognitive Theory Language and Cognitive Milestones: Language development follows general cognitive milestones (e.g., the onset of object permanence corresponds with the use of object names). Conceptual Understanding: Understanding complex linguistic constructs (e.g., past tense, negation) is linked to cognitive maturity. Problem Solving and Language Use: Cognitive development in problem-solving and categorization aligns with language acquisition patterns. 40 Cognitive theory: Criticisms Underemphasis on Social Interaction: Critics argue it does not fully address the role of social and environmental factors in language learning. Differences in Cognitive and Language Development: Some children show advanced language skills despite delays in other cognitive areas, challenging the strict interdependence of cognitive and language development. Role of Innate Mechanisms: Opponents argue that cognitive theory underestimates innate language faculties (as proposed by Chomsky) 41 Cognitive theory: Applications Educational Practices: Focuses on promoting cognitive and language development together through interactive learning, problem-solving activities, and critical thinking exercises. Therapeutic Approaches: Cognitive-based language interventions, such as cognitive- linguistic therapy for individuals with language impairments 42 Cognitive theory: Conclusion Cognitive Theory of Language: Highlights the interconnection between cognitive development and language acquisition. Impact: Offers insights into how language is learned as a function of overall cognitive growth, influencing education, psychology, and linguistics. 43