Most of the concepts and theories explaining how native languages are acquired go back to three different approaches put forward by Burrhus Federic Skinner, Noam Chomsky and Jean Piaget, either by using their ideas as a starting point or by rejecting them and formulating a new or altered Hypothesis. This paper will try to present those three basic theories, also taking into account the contexts out of which they emerged, as to fully understand linguistic, like any other scientific, views and theories, they have always to be evaluated with respect to the scientific and cultural background they appeared in.
First it will try to show how Skinners concept of ‘verbal behavior’ with respect to language acquisition emerged in the development of behaviouristic theories. This will be followed by Chomsky’s criticism of Skinner’s ideas, leading to his own theory of language and language acquisition, which will be presented. Jean Piaget offers a cognitive approach to the question. His view will be described before comparing nativist and cognitivist ideas, concerning the points whether or not innate structures exist and in how far linguistic and cognitive development are interrelated, taking the opposed views of Piaget and Chomsky, the forerunners of many other important linguists, as an example.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- I. Introduction
- a. Behaviorism
- b. Skinner's Theory
- c. Chomsky's Criticism
- II. Chomsky's Universal Grammar approach
- III. Piagets approach
- IV. The debate between Chomsky and Piaget
- V. Conclusion
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This paper explores the fundamental theories of language acquisition, focusing on the approaches of Skinner, Chomsky, and Piaget. It aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of these theories, considering their historical and scientific contexts. The paper examines the debate between nature and nurture in language acquisition, highlighting the significance of innate structures and environmental influences.
- Behavioristic approach to language acquisition
- Chomsky's Universal Grammar theory
- Piaget's cognitive approach to language development
- The debate between nativist and cognitivist perspectives
- The role of innate structures and environmental influences in language acquisition
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
The paper begins by introducing the concept of language acquisition, highlighting the debate between nature and nurture. It then explores Skinner's behavioristic approach, explaining how it emerged from classical conditioning research and the idea of stimulus-response relationships. The paper also presents Chomsky's critique of Skinner's theory, leading to the introduction of Chomsky's Universal Grammar approach. This section discusses the concept of innate language structures and the role of universal principles in language development. Finally, the paper presents Piaget's cognitive approach, emphasizing the role of cognitive development in language acquisition. It explores the relationship between linguistic and cognitive development and examines the opposing views of Chomsky and Piaget on the existence of innate structures.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
The paper delves into the key concepts of language acquisition, including behaviorism, Universal Grammar, cognitive development, nature vs. nurture, innate structures, and environmental influences. It explores the contributions of prominent figures like Skinner, Chomsky, and Piaget, providing a comprehensive overview of these influential theories.
- Quote paper
- Lena Linden (Author), 2007, The basic theories of language acquisition, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/83853
