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Development of a child's first and second language - Hypotheses of learning and acquisition
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The development of a child's first (L1) and second language (L2) involves various hypotheses and theories that explain how children acquire and learn languages. Here are some of the key hypotheses and theories:
First Language Acquisition
1. Innateness Hypothesis:
- Theory Proposed by Noam Chomsky, this theory suggests that children are born with an innate ability to acquire language. According to Chomsky, humans have a Language Acquisition Device (LAD) that contains the principles of universal grammar, which allows them to learn any language.
- Evidence Children across different cultures acquire language in remarkably similar ways and follow a predictable sequence of language development stages.
2. Critical Period Hypothesis:
- Theory This hypothesis posits that there is a critical period (usually from birth until puberty) during which language acquisition occurs most naturally and effectively. After this period, acquiring a language becomes significantly more difficult.
- Evidence: Studies on feral children and those deprived of linguistic input during early years often show impaired language abilities if they are exposed to language after the critical period.
3. Interactionist Approach:
- Theory This approach emphasizes the role of social interaction and communication with caregivers and peers in language acquisition. It combines elements of both nature (innate abilities) and nurture (environmental input).
- Evidence: Vygotsky’s concept of the Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD) illustrates how social interaction with more knowledgeable individuals helps children develop language skills.
Second Language Acquisition
1. Contrastive Analysis Hypothesis (CAH)
- Theory: This hypothesis suggests that learners transfer structures from their first language into their second language. Errors in the second language arise when the structures of the two languages differ.
- Evidence: It explains why certain errors are common among speakers of specific first languages. However, it does not account for all types of errors and has limitations.
2. Interlanguage Theory:
- Theory Proposed by Larry Selinker, this theory describes the evolving linguistic system that L2 learners create. Interlanguage is influenced by L1 transfer, overgeneralization of L2 rules, and learning strategies.
- Evidence: Observations show that L2 learners’ language use is systematic and follows certain patterns that change over time as they acquire more of the L2.
3. Input Hypothesis (Krashen’s Theory):
- Theory: Stephen Krashen’s Input Hypothesis posits that L2 acquisition occurs when learners are exposed to language input that is slightly beyond their current proficiency level (i+1). Comprehensible input is crucial for acquisition.
- Evidence: Studies support the idea that exposure to comprehensible input facilitates language learning more effectively than formal instruction alone.
4. Output Hypothesis:
- Theory: Proposed by Merrill Swain, this hypothesis suggests that producing language (speaking or writing) helps learners notice gaps in their knowledge and develop their language skills. It complements the Input Hypothesis by highlighting the importance of language production.
- Evidence: Research indicates that opportunities for meaningful language output lead to improved language accuracy and fluency.
5. Sociocultural Theory:
- Theory Based on Vygotsky’s work, this theory emphasizes the importance of social interaction and cultural context in L2 learning. Language is acquired through collaborative dialogue and interaction within a cultural framework.
- Evidence: Studies show that learners achieve higher proficiency through collaborative tasks and social interaction in the target language.
These hypotheses and theories provide a comprehensive understanding of how children acquire their first and second languages, highlighting the roles of innate abilities, critical periods, social interaction, and cognitive processes in language development.