The document discusses several theories of language acquisition and behaviorism. It provides examples of how behaviorist theory can be applied in a classroom setting through operant conditioning using rewards and punishments. It also discusses limitations of behaviorism in not accounting for cognition. Nativist theory is discussed as an opposing view that language acquisition is innate rather than learned through imitation.

1. Language Acquisition
EL 103

2. Behaviorism focuses on the idea that all behaviors are learned
through interaction with the environment.
This learning theory states that behaviors are learned from the
environment, and says that innate or inherited factors have very little
influence on behavior.
What is an example of behaviorist theory?
An example of behaviorism is when teachers reward their class or certain
students with a party or special treat at the end of the week for good
behavior throughout the week.
The same concept is used with punishments. The teacher can take away certain
privileges if the student misbehaves.

3. What is behaviorist theory by Skinner?
Skinner's behavior theory was based on two assumptions, firstly that human
behavior follows 'laws' and that the causes of human behavior are something
outside of a person, something in their environment.
He believed that these environmental 'causes' of behavior could always be observed
and studied.
What are the 3 behavioral theories?
The most-often used theories of health behavior are Social Cognitive Theory, The
Trans theoretical Model/Stages of Change, the Health Belief Model, and the
Theory of Planned Behavior.

4. What are the 6 main theories of behavior?
Terms in this set (6)
•Biological Perspective. Mental illness is due to a defect in the brain structure or
function.
•Cognitive Perspective. ...
•Behavioral Perspective. ...
•Psychodynamic Perspective. ...
•Humanistic & Existential Perspective. ...
•Community-Cultural Perspective.

5. The cognitive perspective in psychology focuses on how the interactions of thinking,
emotion, creativity, and problem-solving abilities affect how and why you think the
way you do
This theory says that an individual can be motivated to action by something that is outside
of themselves. For example, getting a new car will motivate a teenager to graduate
high school. Getting money will motivate an adult to go to work every day.
The psychodynamic perspective encompasses a number of theories that explain both normal
and pathological personality development in terms of the dynamics of the mind. Such
dynamics include motivational factors, affects, unconscious mental processes, conflict, and defense
mechanisms.
What is the existential perspective in psychology?
Existential-humanistic psychology emphasizes the importance of human choices and decisions
and feelings of awe toward life.
The cultural perspective rests on an image of community where values and shared meanings
hopefully merge into cultural integrity.
Contrary to issues within the political perspective, cultural issues are hardly negotiable, as their
meaning may have deep roots in ideology or group identity.

6. What is behaviorist theory in language?
According to the Behaviorist Theory, Skinner (1985) equated learning a language to verbal
behavior. Therefore, he believes that language acquisition like any other behavior can be
observed, rather than trying to explain the mental systems underlying these types of behaviors.
What are the principles of behaviorist theory?
Behaviorism focuses on the idea that all behaviors are learned through interaction with the
environment. This learning theory states that behaviors are learned from the environment, and
says that innate or inherited factors have very little influence on behavior.
What is Skinner's theory of language acquisition?
Skinner (1957) argued that language acquisition could be explained by mechanisms of operant
conditioning (OC). OC is a technique that can be used to target and increase a behavior by pairing
performance of the target behavior with a positive or rewarding outcome (Domjan, 2010).

7. What is behaviorist theory of language learning?
According to the Behaviorist Theory, Skinner (1985) equated learning a language to verbal
behavior.
Therefore, he believes that language acquisition like any other behavior can be observed, rather
than trying to explain the mental systems underlying these types of behaviors.
What behaviorist says about language acquisition?
The behaviorist theory believes that “infants learn oral language from other human role models
through a process involving imitation, rewards, and practice. Human role models in an infant's
environment provide the stimuli and rewards,” (Cooter & Reutzel, 2004).
How is language learned according to the behaviorist theory?
Behaviorists consider learning a language as a set of mechanical habits which are formed through
a process of imitation and repetition. Humans learn a language through repeating the same form
and text until it becomes a habit. Children imitate the sounds and patterns which they hear around
(Lightbown & Spada: 1999)

8. Why behaviorism is important in the study of language acquisition and
learning?
Early Theories
Skinner argued that children learn language based on behaviorist
reinforcement principles by associating words with meanings. Correct
utterances are positively reinforced when the child realizes the communicative
value of words and phrases.
What are the two opposing thoughts in the study of first language acquisition?
There are two suggested reasons why such simplifications occur. The first
reason is that learners may not have yet acquired the necessary linguistic
forms. The second reason is that they are unable to access linguistic forms
during production

9. What are the criticisms to the behaviorist theory?
Among the most common criticisms of behaviorism are that it is
mechanistic and reductionist. Critics feel this case is obvious prima
facie while behaviorists find it groundless. Perhaps we can find the key
to these opposing views.
What are some limitations of behaviorism?
•Social Learning Theories. Limitations of Behaviorism: ignores
motivation, thought, and cognition. ...
•Response – one's reaction to the cue. Reinforcement – the effect of the
response. ...
•- based on past experience. Psychological situation – the situation as
defined by the person.

10. Which perspective can explain how children acquire language?
The interactionist approach (sociocultural theory) combines ideas
from sociology and biology to explain how language is developed.
According to this theory, children learn language out of a desire to
communicate with the world around them. Language emerges from, and
is dependent upon, social interaction.
What are the main theories of language acquisition?
There are four main theories of language acquisition:
•linguistic theory;
•behaviorist theory;
•cognitive theory; and.
•interactionist theory.

11. How can a teacher apply Behaviorism to teach language?
How can you apply this?
1.Teacher leads the class through a topic.
2.Students listen silently.
3.Teacher then sets a task based on the information.
4.Students complete the task and await feedback.
5.The teacher gives feedback, then sets the next task.
6.With each round of feedback, the student is being conditioned to learn the
material.

12. Which theory of language development would explain language acquisition in
children as innate rather than a result of imitation?
The nativist theories claim that individuals have an innate process used in
learning language known as the language acquisition device (LAD), which
assists in helping them learn language automatically.
Description. Language acquisition is the study of the processes by which a person learns a language.
Nativist theories hypothesize that language is an innate fundamental part of the human genetic
make-up and that language acquisition occurs as a natural part of the human experience.

13. What is nativist theory example?
For example, no child will say “Biscuit mummy”, instead the child will say “Mummy, biscuit”. The
reason is thus, when a child starts to put two words together, the child has already mastered the basic rules
of syntax. And even when the child makes an erroneous sentence, he applies them correctly.
What is the major assumption of the nativist theory of language acquisition?
The most well-known theory about language acquisition is the nativist theory, which suggests
that we are born with something in our genes that allows us to learn language.
What is the importance of nativist theory?
The Nativist theory believes there is a biological approach to language development
through the genetic makeup of all humans while proposing this theory is a miracle. Chomsky
argued to gain language cannot be the sole aid for learning as language itself is complex.

14. What are the principles of the nativist theory?
The Nativist Theory – Suggests that we're born with a specific language-
learning area in our brain. Nativists believe that children are wired to learn
language, regardless of their environment. The Behaviorist Theory – Says that
language develops as a result of certain behaviors, such as imitation.
What was the main idea of nativism?
Nativism is the political policy of promoting or protecting the interests of native or
indigenous inhabitants over those of immigrants, including the support of
immigration-restriction measures.

15. What is the importance of Chomsky's theory on language?
Chomsky based his theory on the idea that all languages contain similar structures and rules (a
universal grammar), and the fact that children everywhere acquire language the same way, and
without much effort, seems to indicate that we're born wired with the basics already
present in our brains
What are the main challenges in language acquisition?
Whatever your situation in life, there are five main problems that generally present themselves
when trying to learn a language. These challenges go beyond your obvious – grammar,
vocabulary, phrasal verbs and diction. I'm talking about the real reason things get
complicated or stopped before they even begin.
•Do animals communicate using a language? ...
•Is talking work doing work? ...
•What makes a language a language? ...
•Do people swear because they don't know enough words? ...
•Is written grammar better than spoken grammar? ...
•Is language change good or bad?