This paper explores the debate of nature vs. nurture in language development.
Written in 2007; 1,546 words; 6 sources; MLA; $ 50.95
Paper Summary:
The paper discusses the nativist theory that children have some built in or learned knowledge of ideas before the actual development of language. These theorists believe that functions of language are universal and innate. The paper then looks at the functionalists and anti-nativists who argue that culture and language itself shape the meanings behind language. Finally, the paper discusses those theorists who believe that children possess innate understanding of ideas before language and also learn about ideas from language and culture. The paper examines the ideas of Dan I. Slobin, Behrens Heike, Melissa Bowerman and Soonja Choi.
From the Paper:
"How exactly do children learn to connect language with the things around them? Though virtually all of us were participants in this complex process, a full understanding of how children learn language and learn through language is a matter of debate. Primarily, the debate takes on two major points on view. Those who argue for a nativist theory find that children have some built in or learned knowledge of ideas before the actual development of language (Shanker 481; Slobin 407). These theorists believe that functions of language are universal and innate. This is the "nature" side of the argument."
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