Skinner proposed a linguistic development theory referred to as operant conditioning. He believed this involves giving children rewards when they use language practically. For instance, if a child learns the word “drink” and pronounces it correctly when thirsty, their parent or guardian should provide them with something to drink. This way, they gain a reinforced idea of using the word drink and associate it with the activity (Harris, 2013). The child will continue using this word whenever they need a drink. In this way, the child’s behavior adheres to Skinner’s four-term contingency, aspects he discerned were the foundation of language development. These contingencies include discriminative stimuli, reinforcing stimuli, motivating operations, and response (MacCorquodale, 1970). The author further suggested that shaping, prompting, and imitating others play major roles in children’s language development (Harris, 2013). Skinner’s theory has a significant weakness where it tries to explain an individual’s behavior purely using visible phenomena. This is erroneous as one should consider the person’s mental activity, meaning Skinner’s theory ignores neuroscience, physiology, and genetics.
Noam Chomsky developed the language acquisition device theory that discerns the biological foundation of language. It indicates that children are born with innate language-learning abilities. Chomsky determined that children learn languages instinctively without a need for formal instruction (MacCorquodale, 1970). He deemed they naturally need to utilize language, and an absence of formal language leads children to develop a communication system that meets their requirements (Perry, 2017). The theorist observed that every child makes similar language errors despite varying cultures and languages, leading him to discern there is a universal grammar with each language sharing specific rules. Nonetheless, Chomsky’s research fails to determine the brain’s areas that enable people to develop language innately (Perry, 2017). It does not utilize scientific evidence to support notions and does not posit a lot of information on how children develop sentences with meaning.
I believe language development involves physical and mental development. It is not predicated on one notion but entails combined growth in one’s brain and its connection with nature. Children need adult guidance to develop language, however, they may form a unique linguistic system in their absence as language is developed to aid in communication of thoughts.
References
Harris, M. (2013). Language experience and early language development: From input to uptake. Psychology Press.
MacCorquodale, K. (1970). On Chomsky’s Review of Skinner’s Verbal Behavior. Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior, 1, 83–99.
Perry, T. A. (2017). Evidence and argumentation in linguistics (reprint). Walter de Gruyter GmbH & Co KG.