Language Acquisition:
The two methods of language acquisition are the learning theory and the nativist approach to language acquisition. The learning theory suggests that language is picked up through punishment and reinforcement. The nativist approach suggests that human beings are born with an in born characteristic to acquire language. The interactionist approach is the third method of language acquisition, which combines both the learning theory as well as the nativist approach (Vetter & Howell, 1971).
The three theories have inherent differences in their approach towards language acquisition. The learning theory suggests that conditioning and reinforcement plays a major role in language acquisition. This implies that language acquisition is based on the social factors present during the learning process. On the other hand, the nativist theory suggests that the human brain has the capability of acquiring different languages. This is mainly because as suggested by the theory languages have the same structure. Therefore, this makes it easier for the human brain to pick up different languages. This implies that genetic predisposition plays a major role in the learning process. The interactionist theory suggests that the process of language acquisition is a combination of both the genetic predisposition of the individual and his or her external environment. Thus, it combines both the learning theory and the nativist approach (Tomasello, 2001).
I believe that the learning method is the learning theory is the correct theory in explaining language acquisition. This is mainly because the theory explains clearly the process of language acquisition in children. It explains why children are able to pick up words such as dad and mum earlier than other words. In addition, the theory does not have as many weaknesses as the nativist and interactionist theories. It is evident that language acquisition is a gradual process that may take a period. However, according to the nativist theory the process is supposed to be quick. In addition, the nativist theory does not take into account all the languages in the world (Vetter & Howell, 1971). For example, some languages such as the Khoisan use clicks in communication. This does not have the same underlying structure when compared to English.
References:
Vetter, H. J., & Howell, R. W. (1971). Theories of language acquisition. Journal of Psycholinguistic Research, 1(1), 31-64.
Tomasello, M. (2001). Language development: The essential readings. Malden, Mass. [u.a.: Blackwell Publ.
