Briefly describe the difference between the behaviorist, nativist, and interactionist language acquisition theories.
Responses may vary but should include some or all of the following information: The behaviorist theories claim that language is learned through reinforcement and imitation. Children mimic the language of individuals that surround them and receive reinforcement for the correct formation of words. Words not reinforced are eventually no longer used. The nativist theories claim that individuals have an innate process used in language learning known as the language acquisition device (LAD), which assists in helping them learn language automatically. The interactionist theories claim innate processes (genetic predispositions) and experience (learning environments) both assist in language development. Responses may vary but should include some or all of the following information: The behaviorist theories claim that language is learned through reinforcement and imitation. Children mimic the language of individuals that surround them and receive reinforcement for the correct formation of words. Words not reinforced are eventually no longer used. The nativist theories claim that individuals have an innate process used in language learning known as the language acquisition device (LAD), which assists in helping them learn language automatically. The interactionist theories claim innate processes (genetic predispositions) and experience (learning environments) both assist in language development.
When a child uses the word “cat” to refer to the family cat but not any other cats, __________ occurs.
Describe one criticism researchers have of the behaviorist and nativist theories of language development.
Responses may vary but should include some or all of the following information: One criticism of the behaviorist theory is that it doesn’t explain why children often use language in a way that is not portrayed by adults. For example, children often use processes like overregularization, which is not mimicked from watching adults, so it isn’t logical to claim that children learn language through imitation. One criticism of the nativist theory is that the process of the language acquisition device (LAD) is vague. Nativist theorists fail to explain how the process really works. Responses may vary but should include some or all of the following information: One criticism of the behaviorist theory is that it doesn’t explain why children often use language in a way that is not portrayed by adults. For example, children often use processes like overregularization, which is not mimicked from watching adults, so it isn’t logical to claim that children learn language through imitation. One criticism of the nativist theory is that the process of the language acquisition device (LAD) is vague. Nativist theorists fail to explain how the process really works.
Explain the arguments for and against the theory that animals have the capacity for language, like humans.
Responses may vary but should include some or all of the following information: Animals display the ability to communicate. For example, bees do a dance to indicate the location of food, dogs respond to human commands, and whales communicate with a series of clicks and wails. Some apes have even been able to communicate with their human trainers by learning sign language. However, researchers maintain that animals do not have the capacity for language because they do not have the ability to master the rules of syntax, like humans. Responses may vary but should include some or all of the following information: Animals display the ability to communicate. For example, bees do a dance to indicate the location of food, dogs respond to human commands, and whales communicate with a series of clicks and wails. Some apes have even been able to communicate with their human trainers by learning sign language. However, researchers maintain that animals do not have the capacity for language because they do not have the ability to master the rules of syntax, like humans.
Describe metalinguistic awareness.
Responses may vary but should include some or all of the following information: Metalinguistic awareness is the ability to reflect on the meaning and use of language. This allows children to understand that one sentence can have multiple meanings, such as the difference between the literal meaning of what is spoken or written and the implied meaning. This assists in increasing their ability to comprehend metaphors, irony, and sarcasm. Responses may vary but should include some or all of the following information: Metalinguistic awareness is the ability to reflect on the meaning and use of language. This allows children to understand that one sentence can have multiple meanings, such as the difference between the literal meaning of what is spoken or written and the implied meaning. This assists in increasing their ability to comprehend metaphors, irony, and sarcasm.
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