0

Theories of Language and Their Acquisition

Description: This quiz covers various theories of language and their acquisition, exploring how humans learn and comprehend language.
Number of Questions: 15
Created by:
Tags: language acquisition linguistics psychology cognitive development
Attempted 0/15 Correct 0 Score 0

Which theory proposes that language is a biologically innate ability, hardwired in the human brain?

  1. Behaviorism

  2. Nativism

  3. Constructivism

  4. Interactionism


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Nativism, also known as the Universal Grammar Theory, suggests that humans are born with an innate capacity for language, including a set of universal grammatical principles.

Who proposed the theory of Universal Grammar, suggesting that all languages share certain fundamental principles?

  1. B.F. Skinner

  2. Jean Piaget

  3. Noam Chomsky

  4. Lev Vygotsky


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Noam Chomsky's Universal Grammar Theory posits that all human languages share a common underlying structure and principles.

Which theory emphasizes the role of social interaction and environmental factors in language acquisition?

  1. Nativism

  2. Behaviorism

  3. Constructivism

  4. Interactionism


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Interactionism, also known as the Social Interactionist Theory, stresses the importance of social interactions and environmental factors in shaping language development.

Who proposed the theory of Operant Conditioning, which suggests that language is learned through reinforcement and punishment?

  1. B.F. Skinner

  2. Jean Piaget

  3. Noam Chomsky

  4. Lev Vygotsky


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

B.F. Skinner's Operant Conditioning Theory posits that language is acquired through reinforcement and punishment, where desired behaviors are reinforced and undesirable behaviors are discouraged.

Which theory proposes that language is actively constructed by the learner, based on their experiences and interactions with the environment?

  1. Nativism

  2. Behaviorism

  3. Constructivism

  4. Interactionism


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Constructivism emphasizes the active role of the learner in constructing knowledge and understanding, including language, through their experiences and interactions.

Who proposed the theory of Zone of Proximal Development, which suggests that language learning occurs within a range of abilities where learners can benefit from guidance and support?

  1. B.F. Skinner

  2. Jean Piaget

  3. Noam Chomsky

  4. Lev Vygotsky


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Lev Vygotsky's Zone of Proximal Development theory suggests that language learning occurs most effectively within a range of abilities where learners can receive guidance and support from more knowledgeable individuals.

Which theory emphasizes the importance of scaffolding in language acquisition, where adults provide temporary support to help learners reach their full potential?

  1. Nativism

  2. Behaviorism

  3. Constructivism

  4. Interactionism


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Interactionism, particularly the sociocultural approach, emphasizes the role of scaffolding in language acquisition, where adults or more knowledgeable peers provide temporary support to help learners develop their language skills.

What is the term for the ability of infants to distinguish between different speech sounds, even those not present in their native language?

  1. Universal Grammar

  2. Language Acquisition Device

  3. Speech Perception

  4. Babbling


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Speech Perception refers to the ability of infants to distinguish between different speech sounds, even those not present in their native language, demonstrating their innate capacity for language.

Which term describes the stage in language acquisition where children begin to produce single words to express their thoughts and desires?

  1. Holophrastic Stage

  2. Telegraphic Speech

  3. Overgeneralization

  4. Morpheme Acquisition


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The Holophrastic Stage is the early stage of language acquisition where children use single words to represent entire thoughts or ideas.

What is the term for the stage in language acquisition where children begin to combine words into simple sentences, often omitting grammatical markers?

  1. Holophrastic Stage

  2. Telegraphic Speech

  3. Overgeneralization

  4. Morpheme Acquisition


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Telegraphic Speech refers to the stage in language acquisition where children produce simple sentences, often omitting grammatical markers like articles and prepositions.

Which term describes the tendency of children to apply grammatical rules too broadly, resulting in errors like "goed" instead of "went"?

  1. Holophrastic Stage

  2. Telegraphic Speech

  3. Overgeneralization

  4. Morpheme Acquisition


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Overgeneralization is the tendency of children to apply grammatical rules too broadly, resulting in errors like using "goed" instead of "went".

What is the term for the stage in language acquisition where children begin to acquire and use morphemes, the smallest units of meaning in a language?

  1. Holophrastic Stage

  2. Telegraphic Speech

  3. Overgeneralization

  4. Morpheme Acquisition


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Morpheme Acquisition refers to the stage in language acquisition where children begin to acquire and use morphemes, the smallest units of meaning in a language, such as prefixes, suffixes, and root words.

Which theory suggests that language acquisition is influenced by the frequency and consistency of input, as well as the clarity of speech?

  1. Nativism

  2. Behaviorism

  3. Input-Output Theory

  4. Interactionism


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

The Input-Output Theory suggests that language acquisition is influenced by the frequency and consistency of input, as well as the clarity of speech.

What is the term for the ability of infants to imitate speech sounds and gestures, even before they fully understand their meaning?

  1. Echolalia

  2. Babbling

  3. Holophrastic Stage

  4. Telegraphic Speech


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Echolalia refers to the ability of infants to imitate speech sounds and gestures, even before they fully understand their meaning.

Which theory emphasizes the role of social and cultural factors in shaping language acquisition, including the influence of family, peers, and the broader community?

  1. Nativism

  2. Behaviorism

  3. Constructivism

  4. Sociocultural Theory


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Sociocultural Theory emphasizes the role of social and cultural factors in shaping language acquisition, including the influence of family, peers, and the broader community.

- Hide questions