Understanding How We Learn Language: Two Big Ideas

When we learn how to talk, it’s a big topic in the study of how our mind works and how we understand language. There are two main ideas about how we learn language: Nativist Theory and Learning Theory. Each of these ideas has its own way of explaining how we pick up language, and they help us understand more about our minds.

Nativist Theory: What Is It?

Nativist Theory says that we humans are born ready to learn language. Noam Chomsky, a famous thinker, talked about this idea. He believed that we have something special in our brains that helps us learn any language. This is called "Universal Grammar" or UG.

1. Built-In Ability:
   Nativists think our brains have special parts just for learning language. Kids can learn languages fast, even when those languages are complicated. This suggests that we have an inborn ability to learn language, not just from talking and listening.

2. Critical Period:
   A key part of Nativist Theory is the Critical Period Hypothesis. This means there’s a specific time when it's easiest to learn a language. If kids don’t get to hear language during this time, like when they’re very young, they might struggle to learn later on.

3. Limited Language Input:
   Nativists talk about the “poverty of stimulus,” which means the language that kids hear isn’t enough to explain how they learn to speak well. Kids hear incomplete or messy language but still figure out the rules of their own language. This shows they might already understand some grammar naturally.

4. Similarities Across Languages:
   Chomsky’s idea of Universal Grammar suggests that all languages have some basic similarities, even if they look different. This means that all humans might share the same way of thinking about language, no matter where they come from.

Learning Theory: What Is It?

On the other hand, Learning Theory says that we learn language by engaging with our surroundings. Figures like B.F. Skinner argued that just like we learn other skills, we learn to talk through practice and support.

1. Learning Through Practice:
   Learning theorists believe that children pick up language by mimicking what they hear and getting feedback from adults. Kids try to speak, and when they get it right, they get praise. If they make a mistake, they get corrected.

2. Importance of Input:
   Unlike Nativist Theory, Learning Theory puts a spotlight on how much and how well kids hear language spoken. The more good language examples they hear, the better they learn to speak.

3. Learning Methods:
   Learning Theory includes methods like imitation and social interaction. Children learn not just from being taught, but also by watching others talk. This helps them build a bigger vocabulary and understand how words are used in different situations.

4. Slow and Steady Development:
   Learning Theory sees language learning as a gradual process. Kids slowly learn more words and get better at grammar over time. As they grow and hear more complex language, they also improve in their speaking and understanding.

Major Differences Between Nativist and Learning Theories

Here’s how these two ideas differ:

1. Nature vs. Nurture:

   • Nativist: We are born with the ability to learn language (nature).
   • Learning: We learn through our environment and experiences (nurture).

2. Input’s Role:

   • Nativist: What kids hear isn’t enough to explain how they learn language; they rely on natural abilities.
   • Learning: The amount and quality of language kids hear is very important for learning.

3. How We Learn:

   • Nativist: Learning language is an automatic process using our brain’s built-in skills.
   • Learning: We learn language through actions and practice with others.

4. Learning Process:

   • Nativist: There’s a specific time when learning happens best.
   • Learning: Language learning happens gradually and steadily over time.

5. Universal Grammar vs. Cultural Learning:

   • Nativist: All languages share common features.
   • Learning: Language structures depend on the specific language that is learned within a culture.

Why It Matters in Psychology

Understanding these theories is essential in psychology because they explain how our thinking is connected to language.

1. Language and Thought:
   The Nativist view suggests that language is a key part of how we think. In contrast, the Learning Theory viewpoint suggests that language shapes how we think.

2. Teaching Language:
   These ideas also change how we teach language. If you believe in Nativist Theory, you might focus on providing lots of language exposure. If you follow Learning Theory, you might focus on giving rewards for using language correctly.

3. Research Methods:
   These theories lead to different ways to study language learning. Nativist research often looks at brain studies, while Learning Theory often looks at watching how people talk and learn together.

4. Helping with Language Issues:
   In treating language difficulties, Nativist approaches may focus on biology, while Learning approaches may look at how people interact with each other.

In Conclusion

The differences between Nativist and Learning Theories give us important insights into how we learn to talk. Nativist Theory highlights our built-in skills, while Learning Theory focuses on how our experiences shape our language skills. As we continue to study these ideas, we will get a better grip on how language works in our minds and lives.