What are language acquisition theories?(1)

Language acquisition is a complex process that involves both biological and environmental factors. It is a rich and diverse field of study. Below are theories and concepts on how people acquire language, including first language (L1) and second language (L2) acquisition:

1. First Language Acquisition Theories

a. Nativist Theory (Chomsky)

Key Idea: Humans are biologically programmed to acquire language through an innate “Language Acquisition Device” (LAD).
Implications: Children develop language naturally without explicit teaching, provided they are exposed to linguistic input.

b. Social Interactionist Theory (Bruner, Vygotsky)

Key Idea: Language acquisition occurs through social interaction with caregivers and others.
Implications: Emphasizes the importance of “scaffolding” (supportive dialogue) and input tailored to the child (child-directed speech).

c. Connectionist Models

Key Idea: Language learning involves forming connections between sounds, words, and meanings based on exposure.
Implications: Emphasizes repeated exposure to linguistic input for strengthening neural networks.

d. Emergentist Theory

Key Idea: Language emerges from the interaction between innate abilities and environmental input.
Implications: Combines nativist and environmental factors, emphasizing adaptability and pattern recognition.

Conclusion

Language acquisition is a complex process that involves both biological and environmental factors. Theories such as Nativism, Social Interactionism, Connectionism, and Emergentism each offer unique perspectives on how people acquire their first language. While the Nativist approach highlights innate abilities, the Social Interactionist theory emphasizes the role of communication. Meanwhile, Connectionism focuses on repeated exposure, and the Emergentist theory blends multiple influences. By understanding these perspectives, linguists, educators, and researchers can develop more effective language teaching methods.

In the next part, we will explore additional theories on second language acquisition. Stay tuned!

(To be continued)