Thursday, 11 September 2014

Theories of first language acquisition

In the first session, you were introduced to the nature of language and language learning, the aspects of language and theories of first language acquisition. As you continue to explore these concepts, please share what you read with your colleagues by uploading links or posting other sources of information.

Now that you have considered the significance of teaching English in the Caribbean context, I want you to critique the three first language acquisition theories you were introduced to:


  • The Linguistic/Structuralist/Innatist theory (we are born with a language acquisition device that predisposes us for language acquisition) 


  • The Behaviourist theory (we are taught language through a process of stimulus-response and reinforcement)


  • The Social Interactionist theory (we acquire language through authentic social interactions with caregivers who scaffold our language development.)
Be sure to consider the limitations as well as the merits of each theory.
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1 comment:

  1. Unknown13 September 2014 at 20:11

    The link below explored some of the limitations of the theories, which may make interesting reading.
    http://www.slideshare.net/mazranjha/introduction-to-general-linguistics-sla-theories-3?related=1

    Additionally, while reading on this topic I came across a recent story in which a three year old can only make a few sounds due to apparent neglect. This story if correct shows the limitations of the Linguistic theory since this child needed more than being born with a language acquisition device. Rather it gives merit to both the behaviourist theory and the social interactionist theory.
    http://www.farrahgray.com/three-babies-found-dead-filthy-massachusetts-home-fears-bodies/3/

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