Theories of Language Development
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The different theories of language development
can be broadly classified into three approaches: Behaviorism, Nativism and
Interactionism
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Behaviorism: Behaviorism holds that
language develops as a result of environmental influences.
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Nativism: it holds that language
development is inborn. The nativist perspective argues that humans are
biologically programmed to gain knowledge. The main theorist associated
with this perspective is Noam Chomsky.
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Interactionism: it emphasizes the
interaction between environmental influences and innate abilities in language
development.
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The main theorist associated with
interactionist theory is Lev Vygotsky. Interactionists focus on Vygotsky's model
of collaborative learning.
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Interactionists argue that language
development is both biological and social.
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Interactionists argue that language learning is
influenced by the desire of children to communicate with others.
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The Interactionists argue
that "children are born with a powerful brain that matures
slowly and predisposes them to acquire new understandings that they
are motivated to share with others"
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The main theorist associated with
interactionist theory is Lev Vygotsky. Interactionists focus on Vygotsky's
model of collaborative learning.
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