Constructivist Theory
Cognitive-Transactional and Interaction Theory
Predetermine/Innatist Theory
Maturational Theory
Behaviorist/Environmentalist Theory
Language is a predetermined human capacity. A human can master any language he or she is exposed to. Chomsky theorized that each person has an individual language acquisition device that allows this.
Language acquisition develops from social and emotional drives. Children are naturally active, curious, and adaptive. They are shaped by interaction within their environments. Lev Vygotksy believes that learning is influenced by the thoughtful support of adults that moves children to independently do what they were previously only able to do with help.
Children are primary the product of genetic inheritance and environmental influences are secondary. Children move through predictable stages.
Adults exert influence over children's language through rewards, corrections, ignoring, and punishment. This theory is attributed to B.F. Skinner's work.
Children construct knowledge through experience. They then form explanations for what they have experienced. This process is illustrated in language development by the grammar errors children make based on their understanding of rules (as adults are not modeling such errors).
