Language Acquisition (Shane, Dan & Nadine)

Shane
In review of my thoughts I believe that both theories play an intricate role in humans developing the ability to learn and apply linguistics. The Nativist Theory is supported by the example that we learn to speak before we are even conscious of it. For example our parents tell us what our first spoken word was as a baby. Looking at a kindergarten class supports the argument that we learn from our environment. On the first day of school the entire class is able to communicate to one another and the teacher. It truly depends on the individual to decide which theory is more relevant in their view.

The aspect of reading allows a child to visually put speech into words and pictures. I believe there is a strong importance introducing children to written words and pictures as early as possible. They can begin to correlate words to their surroundings. This past school year I had a student that struggled to read and had difficulty articulating his thoughts. As the school year progressed, his reading improved, and articulation improved. He began to use words he could read and had been learning to read throughout the school year. I remember being told, do not speak it if you cannot spell it. In his case, if he could not read it, he was not going to speak it. Linguistics is paired with literacy in my mind. The art of speaking, writing and reading all work together allowing us to communicate effectively with one another.

Dan
In review, the acquisition of language is a combination of both nature and nurture. Children learn languages by their surroundings however, there is an ability to translate their surroundings into a meaningful language. This is refined and developed as time progresses until it becomes almost identical to the population.

Reading can help in the acquisition of language. Written words, symbols, pictures, etc. can help children connect speech with the things they see. However, I do not think it is absolutely necessary. Does it help, certainly it does but can you develop language without reading, I believe so. I personally can speak and understand Taiwanese however, I can not read one word of it. I can't remember how I learned to speak Taiwanese but what I can remember is never learning the written language of Chinese (Chinese has many dialects, but one written language). I think the skill of reading can only come after language has been developed. Children can only read after they learn to speak. While reading can help in the development of articulating their speech, reading begins only after they have mastered the basics of language.

Nadine
(Under Construction) Nadine’s thoughts will be posted shortly.