Language Development Theories: Similarities and Differences

796 Words4 Pages
Language Development Theories Graphic Organizer Tia Lazarus EDD 557 Paula Rogers University of Phoenix October 5th, 2015 There are three theories of language learning that have been laid out by language theorists: The Environmentalist Theory spear-headed by Skinner, The Constructivist Theory purported by Melissa Bowerman (Vygotsky, Piaget), and The Nativist Theory put forward by Noam Chomsky and Slobin. While each one is different in it’s approach, they also have similarities. Below is a color coded matrix to explain the theories as well as the similarities and differences between each theory: | Environmentalist | Constructivist | Nativist | Environmentalist | * The caregiver plays the most important role in language development. * The child learns language by imitation, reinforcement, and conditioning. * How much language the child knows is determined by the amount and quality of language s/he is exposed to. | Similarities: * The child’s environment and their interaction with others plays a large part in language development. * Developing grammar and is seen as a part of language development. | Similarities: * Both theories are based on what the child produces – words and sounds. * Both theories explain how language is developed from birth * Grammar is included in both definitions. | Constructivist | Differences: * Environmentalists do not believe you have innate ability to develop language (zero Nativism) – everything comes from the outside, while Constructivists believe you have some innate ability to develop language. | * Language and cognitive development happen simultaneously – almost like a symbiotic relationship. * Children use language reach cognitive milestones at about the same time – they use present tense before any other tense showing their understanding of time and their place in it. |
Open Document