What are language acquisition theories?(1)

Language acquisition is a rich and diverse field of study. Below are additional theories and concepts about 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.

(To be continued)