Behaviourist theory
In Verbal Behavior (1957) Skinner argued language is learned through imitation and reinforcement. It cannot explain novel sentences or overgeneralisations such as "goed".
Nativist theory
Chomsky proposed an innate language acquisition device and universal grammar that let children master grammar from impoverished input (poverty of the stimulus). Lenneberg argued for a critical period.
Cognitive view
Piaget held that cognitive development precedes language, which expresses the symbolic function; egocentric speech fades with socialisation.
Social interactionism
Vygotsky saw language moving from social speech through private speech to inner speech, becoming a tool of thought. Bruner added that a language acquisition support system (LASS) of caregiver scaffolding is needed.
Developmental milestones
- Crying and cooing (0-2 months), babbling (around 6 months)
- One-word stage (around 12 months)
- Two-word, telegraphic speech (18-24 months)
- Grammatical morphemes and complex sentences (3-5 years)
Implications
A rich language environment, expanding and recasting children's utterances, shared book reading and turn-taking conversation support development, with attention to individual differences.
References
- Skinner, B. F. (1957). Verbal Behavior. Appleton-Century-Crofts.
- Chomsky, N. (1965). Aspects of the Theory of Syntax. MIT Press.
- Lenneberg, E. H. (1967). Biological Foundations of Language. Wiley.
- Bruner, J. (1983). Child's Talk: Learning to Use Language. Norton.
- Vygotsky, L. S. (1986). Thought and Language (A. Kozulin, Trans.). MIT Press.