Nature and Nurture involved in languageacquisition

Opposite of Innatist Theory

Caregivers and parents play vital role

Communication between child andcaregiver is critical

As understanding grows, interactionincreases as child communicates more

Social environment is an important role;caregivers modify speech and carryconversations

Noam Chomsky proposed babies born withLAD

Language acquisition happens with littlehelp from adults and caregivers

Critical Period from birth to about 9 yearsold

Uses child 's syntax

Child uses LAD

Language learned through reinforcement

Imitation and Association are essential

Imitation, Practice and SelectiveReinforcement in social environment

Major Factors are Parent Modeling andReinforcement