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The Development Of Nature And Nurture In Language Development

Decent Essays

The basis of language development theories revolves around the idea that, either nature or nurture are more influential than the other in the development of language in children. Language development as defined by, Menyuk, is the acquisition and growth of a societies chosen method of communication, which occurs due to a culmination of cognitive growth and environmental experiences (2005). Nature, is concerned with the biological makeup of an individual that influences their ability to acquire language including, genes and brain function, alternatively, nurture is environmental factors including, culture, family, and experiences (Fellows & Oakley, 2014). Nature and nurture both play vital yet highly diverse roles in the acquisition of language and its development. Analysis of the process of language acquisition will reveal that both nature and nurture are vital for successful language development of children. The process by which language is learnt or acquired differs by theory, specifically two alternate perspectives display the basis of nature and nurture. The first theory to be discussed stems off the basis of nurture, the behaviourist theory. This theory draws upon the concept of nature, suggesting behaviour is learnt through experience and reinforced by rewards (Fellows & Oakley, 2014). This perspective states children learn from and imitate their surroundings and they are rewarded by responses and the success of their communication, this is an exemplar of acquisition

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