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EML1501 ASSIGNMENT 5 SEMESTER 2 2023
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EML1501ASSIGNMENT 5
SEMESTER 2
2023
1.1a Behaviourists (5):
Behaviourism, as applied to language acquisition, is primarily associated with the work of B.F.
Skinner, a prominent psychologist. Skinner's behaviourist theory of language acquisition is
rooted in the idea that children learn language through environmental influences,
conditioning, and imitation.
Here's a more detailed explanation:
Conditioning: Skinner proposed that language acquisition is a result of operant
conditioning, a learning process where behaviours are shaped by their consequences.
In the context of language, children acquire words and phrases by associating them
with specific situations and outcomes. For example, a child learns the word "cookie"
by hearing it when given a cookie.
Imitation: Behaviourists argue that children acquire language through imitation. They
observe and mimic the speech of adults and peers in their environment. By repeating
sounds, words, and phrases they hear, children gradually build their language skills.
Reinforcement: Skinner emphasized the role of reinforcement in language
development. Positive reinforcement, such as praise or rewards, strengthens correct
language usage. For instance, when a child correctly says "please," they may receive a
positive response, reinforcing the use of polite language.
Error Correction: Behaviourists believe that errors in language usage are corrected
through feedback and conditioning. When a child makes a language mistake,
caregivers or teachers provide the correct model, and the child learns through
correction and repetition.
, Limited Role of Innate Factors: Behaviourist theories downplay the role of innate
factors in language acquisition. They suggest that the environment and external
factors are the primary drivers of language development, with little emphasis on any
innate language-specific mechanisms.
1.1b Nativists (5):
Nativist theories of language acquisition, often associated with Noam Chomsky, take a
fundamentally different perspective from behaviourism. Nativism emphasizes the role of
innate, biologically determined factors in language development:
Universal Grammar: Chomsky proposed the concept of Universal Grammar, a
theoretical framework suggesting that all human languages share a common
underlying structure. According to this theory, children are born with an innate
understanding of the basic principles of language, such as syntax and grammar.
Language Acquisition Device (LAD): Chomsky introduced the idea of the Language
Acquisition Device, a hypothetical cognitive mechanism or innate capacity that
enables children to acquire language rapidly and systematically. The LAD is seen as a
cognitive tool that allows children to generate grammatically correct sentences
without explicit instruction.
Critical Period: Nativist theories propose that there is a critical period during early
childhood when language acquisition is most effective. If children are not exposed to
language input during this critical period, their ability to acquire language may be
significantly impaired.
Poverty of the Stimulus: Chomsky argued that the linguistic input that children receive
from their environment is often insufficient to account for the complexity and
richness of the language they eventually produce. This concept is referred to as the
"poverty of the stimulus," suggesting that children must have innate linguistic
knowledge to bridge the gap between input and output.
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