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21
0
L
Lily McMullen
02/09/2025
English Lang.
child language acquisition theorists
500
•
2 Sept 2025
•
Child Language Acquisition: Piaget, Chomsky, and Skinner Theories for Kids
L
Lily McMullen
@lilymcmullen_zdou
Child Language Acquisition Approaches
This page explores additional theories of child language acquisition, providing a comprehensive view of how children develop language skills.
B.F. Skinner's Behaviorist Approach
B.F. Skinner proposed a behaviorist approach to language acquisition, emphasizing the role of operant conditioning in language learning.
Definition: Operant conditioning - a method of learning where behavior is modified through reinforcement or punishment.
Key elements of Skinner's approach include:
- Positive Reinforcement: Rewards or praise from parents that encourage repeated actions.
- Negative Reinforcement: Less favorable responses or corrections that discourage certain behaviors.
Skinner's Four-Term Contingency model explains the process of language acquisition:
- Motivator
- Discriminative stimuli
- Response
- Reinforcing stimuli
Highlight: Skinner acknowledges that children also learn through imitation of others, complementing the operant conditioning process.
Jerome Bruner's Interactionist Approach
Jerome Bruner proposed an interactionist approach to language acquisition, emphasizing the importance of social interaction in language development.
Key concepts in Bruner's theory include:
-
Language Acquisition Support System (LASS): Highlights the crucial role of caregivers in language development.
-
Scaffolding: Caregivers support language learning through questions, encouragement, and support.
-
Child Directed Speech (CDS): A specialized way of speaking to children that facilitates language learning.
Example: Child Directed Speech might include using simpler words like "doggy" instead of "dog" or speaking at a slower rate to aid comprehension and pronunciation.
Vocabulary: Scaffolding - the process of providing temporary support to help a child master a task or concept.
This interactionist approach emphasizes the social nature of language acquisition, complementing the cognitive, nativist, and behaviorist theories to provide a comprehensive understanding of how children acquire language.
Jean Piaget's Cognitive Approach to Language Acquisition
Jean Piaget's cognitive approach to language acquisition posits that cognitive development precedes and is essential for language development. This theory is structured around four distinct stages of cognitive growth, each playing a crucial role in a child's language acquisition process.
The Four Stages of Piaget's Cognitive Development
-
Sensorimotor Stage In this initial stage, infants begin to interact with their environment using their senses and physical movements. They are characterized as egocentric, unable to understand others' feelings or needs. A significant milestone during this period is the development of object permanence.
Example: A baby learning that a toy still exists even when hidden from view demonstrates object permanence.
-
Preoperational Stage This stage marks the beginning of language learning and the development of imagination. While children remain largely egocentric, they start to engage in symbolic play and develop more complex language skills.
Vocabulary: Egocentric - focused on oneself and unable to see things from other perspectives.
-
Concrete Operational Stage Children at this stage become less egocentric and more capable of logical thought. They can perform mental operations on concrete objects but may struggle with abstract concepts.
Highlight: The shift from egocentrism to more logical thinking is crucial for advanced language use and understanding.
-
Formal Operational Stage In the final stage, adolescents develop the ability for abstract thinking and complex logical reasoning, further enhancing their language capabilities.
Definition: Abstract thinking - the ability to think about concepts that are not physically present or tangible.
Chomsky's Nativist Approach
Noam Chomsky proposed a contrasting theory known as the nativist approach. This theory suggests that children are born with an innate ability to learn language, termed the Language Acquisition Device (LAD).
Vocabulary: Language Acquisition Device - an innate mental faculty that enables children to acquire and produce language naturally.
Key aspects of Chomsky's theory include:
- Children learn language by hearing it used in their environment.
- The LAD contains universal grammar, suggesting that all children are born with knowledge of basic grammatical rules.
- All human languages share fundamental rules that babies subconsciously learn and acknowledge.
Quote: "The language acquisition device contains universal grammar, any child is born with knowledge of grammatical rules (difference between noun and verb etc)."
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App Store
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Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Child Language Acquisition: Piaget, Chomsky, and Skinner Theories for Kids
L
Lily McMullen
@lilymcmullen_zdou
The cognitive approach to child language acquisition, as proposed by Jean Piaget, emphasizes the importance of cognitive development preceding language development. This theory is divided into four key stages of cognitive growth, each influencing a child's language abilities. Alongside Piaget's... Show more
Child Language Acquisition Approaches
This page explores additional theories of child language acquisition, providing a comprehensive view of how children develop language skills.
B.F. Skinner's Behaviorist Approach
B.F. Skinner proposed a behaviorist approach to language acquisition, emphasizing the role of operant conditioning in language learning.
Definition: Operant conditioning - a method of learning where behavior is modified through reinforcement or punishment.
Key elements of Skinner's approach include:
- Positive Reinforcement: Rewards or praise from parents that encourage repeated actions.
- Negative Reinforcement: Less favorable responses or corrections that discourage certain behaviors.
Skinner's Four-Term Contingency model explains the process of language acquisition:
- Motivator
- Discriminative stimuli
- Response
- Reinforcing stimuli
Highlight: Skinner acknowledges that children also learn through imitation of others, complementing the operant conditioning process.
Jerome Bruner's Interactionist Approach
Jerome Bruner proposed an interactionist approach to language acquisition, emphasizing the importance of social interaction in language development.
Key concepts in Bruner's theory include:
-
Language Acquisition Support System (LASS): Highlights the crucial role of caregivers in language development.
-
Scaffolding: Caregivers support language learning through questions, encouragement, and support.
-
Child Directed Speech (CDS): A specialized way of speaking to children that facilitates language learning.
Example: Child Directed Speech might include using simpler words like "doggy" instead of "dog" or speaking at a slower rate to aid comprehension and pronunciation.
Vocabulary: Scaffolding - the process of providing temporary support to help a child master a task or concept.
This interactionist approach emphasizes the social nature of language acquisition, complementing the cognitive, nativist, and behaviorist theories to provide a comprehensive understanding of how children acquire language.
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Access to all documents
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Join milions of students
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Jean Piaget's Cognitive Approach to Language Acquisition
Jean Piaget's cognitive approach to language acquisition posits that cognitive development precedes and is essential for language development. This theory is structured around four distinct stages of cognitive growth, each playing a crucial role in a child's language acquisition process.
The Four Stages of Piaget's Cognitive Development
-
Sensorimotor Stage In this initial stage, infants begin to interact with their environment using their senses and physical movements. They are characterized as egocentric, unable to understand others' feelings or needs. A significant milestone during this period is the development of object permanence.
Example: A baby learning that a toy still exists even when hidden from view demonstrates object permanence.
-
Preoperational Stage This stage marks the beginning of language learning and the development of imagination. While children remain largely egocentric, they start to engage in symbolic play and develop more complex language skills.
Vocabulary: Egocentric - focused on oneself and unable to see things from other perspectives.
-
Concrete Operational Stage Children at this stage become less egocentric and more capable of logical thought. They can perform mental operations on concrete objects but may struggle with abstract concepts.
Highlight: The shift from egocentrism to more logical thinking is crucial for advanced language use and understanding.
-
Formal Operational Stage In the final stage, adolescents develop the ability for abstract thinking and complex logical reasoning, further enhancing their language capabilities.
Definition: Abstract thinking - the ability to think about concepts that are not physically present or tangible.
Chomsky's Nativist Approach
Noam Chomsky proposed a contrasting theory known as the nativist approach. This theory suggests that children are born with an innate ability to learn language, termed the Language Acquisition Device (LAD).
Vocabulary: Language Acquisition Device - an innate mental faculty that enables children to acquire and produce language naturally.
Key aspects of Chomsky's theory include:
- Children learn language by hearing it used in their environment.
- The LAD contains universal grammar, suggesting that all children are born with knowledge of basic grammatical rules.
- All human languages share fundamental rules that babies subconsciously learn and acknowledge.
Quote: "The language acquisition device contains universal grammar, any child is born with knowledge of grammatical rules (difference between noun and verb etc)."
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
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4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user