Language Development
Choose one theorist from one perspective to evaluate how
children learn to develop language.
Essay notes
The nature perspective argues that humans are biologically programmed
to gain knowledge. The main theorist associated with this perspective is
Noam Chomsky. Chomsky's theory of language development in children
is built upon the principle "that our language is the result of the unfolding
of a genetically determined program."
Chomsky proposed that all humans have a language acquisition device
(LAD). The LAD contains knowledge of grammatical rules common to
all languages The LAD also allows children to understand the rules of
whatever language they are listening to. Chomsky also developed the
concepts of transformational grammar, surface structure and deep
structure.
.
Children learn language most effectively during a critical period, which
spans roughly from birth into puberty. Building upon the ideas of the
linguist Eric Lenneberg, Chomsky emphasizes that children pass through
a stage of linguistic alertness. If children are frequently exposed to
numerous languages during this formative period, they are usually able to
express multilingual capabilities.
As in case of Victor a French child rescued from the wild around the age
of 10, he could not acquire language and had missed the opportunity, as
he was not found until after the critical period and this proved Chomsky’s
theory Also in the case of Genie who was locked up without human
interaction to the age of 12 could not develop grammar but could only
develop a wide range of vocabulary using only single words. Dr Bruce
Perry who studied Feral children showed that brain development in these
children’s cerebral cortex are not developed to the same size as children
who have not been neglected and therefore feral children brain have not
developed and used their language acquisition device.
Language is developed in stages, they are the prelinguistic stage at new
born where sounds and noises are gurgling and babbling. The next stage
is the holophrase which leads up to around 12 months where single
words have range of meanings, used with purpose. The telegraphic is the
stage when the child will use abbreviated phrases used with meaning e.g
‘doggie gone’ and understands a wide range of vocabulary up to approx 2
yrs the next stage is developing grammar and complex sentence
structure. Between approx 2-3 yrs there is an extended use of language
where the child can enjoy jokes, nonsense words etc –this is known as
metalinguistics. From 4 years language is used creatively and fluently.
Skinner and other reinforcement nurture theorists believe that interactions
are crucial for language development. In the case of Oxana Malaya in the
Ukraine who lived with her dog she did hear some conversations and was
able to develop language when rescued. The nurture theorists believe
there are many factors which need to be present for children to develop
language Firstly, babies need to be spoken to and communicated with.
The Baby Talk Register (BTR) where babies need to hear and answer
speech and language and have conversations going on around them.
Babies need to have opportunities for individual focus and attention – eye
contact, facial expression etc Babies need to be encouraged to respond
with positive feedback according to Skinner and children need to be
given opportunities to practice language in a supportive environment,
listened to, allowed to make mistakes and encouraged to ask questions.
Reading and story telling contributes to development of understanding of
grammar, use of language etc
However factors that inhibit language development could be lack of
stimulation – not being spoken to, listened to or read to. Deprivation and
neglect as in the case of feral children of extreme cases of isolation. Poor
parenting and abuse could contribute to poor language development.
Disruption in family life and frequent changes of carer could be a factor
as well as a lack of opportunity to practice where a noisy environment,
surrounded by TV, music or lack of specific conversation with a child.
Children could live in a stressful home where there is excessive
correction and pressure leading to anxiety in use of language and sense of
failure within the child. Finally a disability such as visual and hearing
impairment or learning difficulties could affect language development.
Conclusion – linked to question asked
Introduction
Behavioural perspective
The Behavioural perspective argues that children imitate what they see
and hear and that children learn from punishment and reinforcement
The main theorist associated with the learning perspective is B.F.
Skinner. Skinner argued that adults shape the speech of children by
reinforcing the babbling of infants that sound most like words.
Skinner’s theory is based on operant conditioning is a type of learning in
which behaviour is determined by its consequences. (Strengthened if
followed by reinforcement [positive or negative] and diminished if
followed by punishment. A stimulus gives a response (S-R bond), this is
how speech develops.
Skinner views the child as the "passive subject of operant conditioning in
whom randomly occurring behaviour is selectively reinforced"
Features
Reinforcement of an operant behaviour is the key to conditioning taking
place.
He believed that children learn language through reinforcement, parents
provide attention and pleasurable reactions when correct sounds are
made, a child will repeat verbal behaviour that is rewarded and drop
sounds that does not get positive reactions.
Social environment influences the ability to communicate effectively.
A positive reinforcement occurs when a behaviour (response) is
strengthened because it is followed by a rewarding stimulus – give
example
By contrast, a negative reinforcement occurs when a behaviour
(response) is strengthened because it is followed by the removal of an
aversive stimulus – give example
Both types of reinforcement strengthen behaviour, or increase the
probability of a behaviour reoccurring; the difference is in whether the
reinforcing event is something applied (positive reinforcement) or
something removed or avoided (negative reinforcement).
Include all the following key words
 operant conditioning
 positive reinforcement/praise/reward leads to behaviour being
repeated
 negative reinforcement – avoiding unpleasant situation leads to
unwanted behaviour being ‘extinguished’.
 based on work with pigeons/rats .
 focus on desired behaviour
 ignore unwanted behaviour
 care needed with punishment
Genie – case study of a feral child
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genie_(feral_child)
Cultural differences, differences in dialect and accent show the
importance of social environment being a major influence on language
development. Good example is Genie who was isolated, she heard no
speech and understood no language, when she was found could make
only biological noises, however when she was fostered she learned to
speak more easily, but never developed in the normal way, this would
conclude that social interaction is vital and therefore nurture. The
evidence however is inconclusive.
Criticisms of this theory
The main criticism of this theory is that it does not consider any aspect of
maturation and the biological view that we have an innate ability to learn
language. The nature perspective argues that humans are biologically
programmed to gain knowledge. The main theorist associated with this
perspective is Noam Chomsky.
Skinner's `finite grammar' was far too limited in it's application.
Another criticism shows that children must go through the stages of
maturity before they can actually learn.
A certain level of
development of the nervous system needs to occur before actual language
development can take place. A child needs to develop the capability to
learn first.
The limitations of operant conditioning are that mental and emotional
events are ignored. Skinner regarded emotions as responses to behaviour
and not causes of behaviour. As such Skinner thought that behaviour
could only be changed by reinforcement or punishment, and not by
analysing emotions. E.g. angry or joy
Conclusion
It has been proved that language is learnt through trial and error. The
actual sounds, words and grammar that children learn will depend on
their environment, e.g. different cultures. The speed at which children
learn will also be influenced by their environment. Interaction with
parents and others, parents and others positively reinforce good speech
and learn through copying and imitation through repetitions, pick up
accent and dialect and language. However there is a debate on nature or
nurture affects speech development, dialect and accent differences may
suggest that it is nurture however stages suggest maturation, perhaps it is
a mixture of the two.