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.
Table of Contents
- I. Introduction
- II. B.F. Skinner's behavioristic approach
- a. Behaviorism
- b. Skinner's Theory
- c. Chomsky's Criticism
- III. Chomsky's Universal Grammar approach
- IV. Piaget's approach
- V. The debate between Chomsky and Piaget
- VI. Conclusion
- VII. Bibliography
Objectives and Key Themes
This paper aims to present three fundamental theories of first language acquisition: Skinner's behaviorist approach, Chomsky's Universal Grammar, and Piaget's cognitive approach. It explores the historical context of each theory, analyzes their strengths and weaknesses, and examines the debate between nativist and cognitivist perspectives on language acquisition.
- The nature versus nurture debate in language acquisition.
- Behaviorist explanations of language learning.
- Chomsky's theory of Universal Grammar and its implications.
- Piaget's cognitive development theory and its relation to language acquisition.
- The comparison of nativist and cognitivist perspectives.
Chapter Summaries
I. Introduction: This introductory chapter sets the stage by outlining the central question of how children acquire their first language with such speed and apparent ease. It highlights the ongoing debate between "nature" (innate abilities) and "nurture" (environmental influence) in shaping language development. The chapter introduces the three main theoretical approaches that will be discussed in the paper: Skinner's behaviorism, Chomsky's Universal Grammar, and Piaget's cognitive approach, emphasizing their historical context and influence on subsequent research.
II. B.F. Skinner's behavioristic approach: This chapter delves into Skinner's behaviorist theory of language acquisition, placing it within the broader context of behaviorism. It explains the principles of classical and operant conditioning, using examples such as Pavlov's dogs and Watson's experiments with "Little Albert." The chapter details how Skinner applied these principles to language, viewing language as a learned behavior shaped by reinforcement and environmental stimuli. It also foreshadows Chomsky's criticisms of this approach, setting the stage for the following chapter.
III. Chomsky's Universal Grammar approach: This section presents Noam Chomsky's revolutionary theory of Universal Grammar. It contrasts Chomsky's nativist perspective with Skinner's behaviorism, highlighting Chomsky's critique of the limitations of behaviorist explanations in accounting for the complexities of language acquisition, particularly the speed and creativity of children's language development. The chapter explores the concept of an innate language faculty and its role in facilitating language acquisition.
IV. Piaget's approach: This chapter introduces Jean Piaget's cognitive development theory and its relevance to language acquisition. It explains Piaget's stages of cognitive development and how they relate to linguistic development, focusing on the interaction between cognitive maturation and linguistic growth. The chapter contrasts Piaget's view with the nativist perspective of Chomsky, setting the groundwork for the subsequent comparative analysis.
V. The debate between Chomsky and Piaget: This chapter directly compares and contrasts the nativist (Chomsky) and cognitivist (Piaget) perspectives on language acquisition. It explores the central points of disagreement, such as the role of innate structures versus environmental input and the relationship between cognitive and linguistic development. The chapter analyzes the strengths and weaknesses of each approach and explores how they have influenced subsequent research in the field.
Keywords
Language acquisition, first language acquisition, behaviorism, Skinner, Chomsky, Universal Grammar, Piaget, cognitive development, nativism, cognitivism, nature versus nurture.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview
What is the main topic of this paper?
This paper examines three fundamental theories of first language acquisition: B.F. Skinner's behaviorist approach, Noam Chomsky's Universal Grammar, and Jean Piaget's cognitive approach. It analyzes their strengths and weaknesses and explores the ongoing debate between nativist and cognitivist perspectives.
What are the key themes explored in the paper?
Key themes include the nature versus nurture debate in language acquisition, behaviorist explanations of language learning, Chomsky's Universal Grammar and its implications, Piaget's cognitive development theory and its relation to language, and a comparison of nativist and cognitivist perspectives.
What are the three main theoretical approaches discussed?
The paper focuses on Skinner's behaviorism, which views language as a learned behavior shaped by reinforcement; Chomsky's Universal Grammar, proposing an innate language faculty; and Piaget's cognitive development theory, emphasizing the interaction between cognitive maturation and linguistic growth.
How does Skinner's behaviorist approach explain language acquisition?
Skinner's approach, rooted in classical and operant conditioning, explains language acquisition as a learned behavior shaped by environmental stimuli and reinforcement. The paper details how principles of conditioning are applied to language learning.
What is Chomsky's Universal Grammar, and how does it differ from Skinner's approach?
Chomsky's Universal Grammar proposes an innate language faculty, contrasting sharply with Skinner's behaviorism. It argues that children possess an inherent capacity for language, enabling them to acquire language rapidly and creatively, surpassing the limitations of behaviorist explanations.
How does Piaget's cognitive development theory relate to language acquisition?
Piaget's theory links cognitive development stages to linguistic development, suggesting that cognitive maturation significantly influences language growth. The paper explores the interaction between cognitive and linguistic development according to Piaget's framework.
What is the central debate explored in the paper?
The core debate revolves around the relative contributions of innate abilities ("nature") and environmental influences ("nurture") in shaping language development. The paper directly compares and contrasts the nativist (Chomsky) and cognitivist (Piaget) perspectives on this issue.
What are the strengths and weaknesses of each theoretical approach?
The paper analyzes the strengths and weaknesses of Skinner's behaviorism, Chomsky's Universal Grammar, and Piaget's cognitive approach, examining their explanatory power and limitations in accounting for the complexities of language acquisition.
What is the conclusion of the paper?
The conclusion summarizes the main findings and insights gained from comparing and contrasting the three theoretical approaches. It may offer a synthesis of perspectives or highlight the ongoing relevance of the debate.
What are the keywords associated with this paper?
Keywords include language acquisition, first language acquisition, behaviorism, Skinner, Chomsky, Universal Grammar, Piaget, cognitive development, nativism, cognitivism, and nature versus nurture.
- Citation du texte
- Lena Linden (Auteur), 2007, The basic theories of language acquisition, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/83853
