Kristyn Lloyd October 24, 2016 Child 210-03
Theory Assignment #2: How Do Humans Learn Language
Child Development 210 Sister Eagar
Using Chapter 6 in the Berger Text, compare the three theories on how infants learn language. Summarize each language acquisition theory. List each contributing theorist
and the research evidence that supports their theory.
Language Infants Teach Infants Need to be Taught Social Impulses Foster
Learning Themselves Infant Language Learning
Theories
Summary Language comes from the Well-taught infants are well- Infants communicate because
of impulse to imitate. spoken children. They acquire humans are social beings and
Language Observation and language skills sooner if: depend on each other.
Acquisition application according to Child directed speech-grabs Communication to get
Theory own concepts. We are attention/ simplified words what they need
born with the mental Labeling and repetition of Express emotion
structure to perceive words (18 mo.) Non-verbal expression
human language. Narration of our day more than words
Questions and Positive responses to Understanding by direction
declarative language attempts and intentions
language Public television- Learning through direct
Expects experiences pronunciation connections and
to connect neurons Read aloud- new vocabulary relationships
Allow time Bedtime music
Teaching and Encourage, praise,
reinforcement not interaction, conversation,
necessary and communication
Noam Chomsky B.F. Skinner, Pavlov, Watson
Theorist:
Theoretical Natavist Behaviorism Social- Pragmatic
Perspective:
Kristyn Lloyd October 24, 2016 Child 210-03
Poets use words together The frequency of a mother People that don’t speak English were
Evidence to that don’t always make responding to noises of an infant still able to identify what the
Support sense, and people hear seems to predict how well infants communication meant by the tones and
This Theory strange words in their acquired “language”. Talkative gestures.
sleep. Language may mothers meant talkative children.
come from the brain
rather than from others.