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It is amazing to observe how our children learn language without
us teaching them. Common teachers know that children’s mind are considered as
an empty cabinet or the so called “tabularasa (concept).” With this, some
parents usually believe (unconsciously, without any reference to scientific
explanation) that it is because of their exposure to language, for example,
they suggest to other parents to expose their children to different people and
let them interact with them so they can acquire the language easily and
continuously (This self-conceptualization of some parents proves that they do
have unconscious knowledge that children start with nothing in their mind and
they are liable to help them start learning certain language ).
As cited in the language development tripod page (retrieved, April
2, 2016) interactionist argue that language development is both biological and
social. Interactionists argue that language learning is influence by the desire
of children to communicate with others.
In relation to the above mentioned perceptions of language
development. Skinner and Chomsky concretized how children learn language
through their own observed theories:
Skinner: Operant Conditioning
B.
F. Skinner believed that children learn language through operant
conditioning; in other words, children receive
"rewards" for using language in a
functional manner. For example, a child learns to say the word
"drink" when she is thirsty; she
receives something to drink, which reinforces her
use of the word for getting a drink, and thus she will continue to do so.
This follows the four-term contingency that Skinner believed
was the basis of language development—motivating
operations, discriminative stimuli,
response, and reinforcing stimuli.
Skinner also suggested that children learn language through imitation of
others, prompting, and shaping.
Chomsky: Language Acquisition Device
Noam
Chomsky's work discusses the biological basis for language and claims that
children have innate abilities to learn language. Chomsky terms this innate
ability the "language acquisition device." He believes children
instinctively learn language without any formal instruction. He also believes
children have a natural need to use language, and that in the absence of formal
language children will develop a system of communication to meet their needs.
He has observed that all children make the same type of language errors,
regardless of the language they are taught. Chomsky also believes in the
existence of a "universal grammar," which posits that there are
certain grammatical rules all human languages share. However, his research does
not identify areas of the brain or a genetic basis that enables humans' innate
ability for language.
Source: Boundless. “Human Language Development.” Boundless Psychology. Boundless, 13 Apr. 2016. Retrieved 22 Apr. 2016 from https://www.boundless.com/psychology/textbooks/boundless-psychology-textbook/language-10/human-language-408/human-language-development-235-12770/
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