In the learning theory, acquisition follows the fundamental law of reinforcement and conditioning (Feldman, 20210326, p. 159). When a child makes a sound like "DA" parents get happy thinking that they are starting to say Dad, and we praise them. We give the child reinforcement, making them more likely to repeat the sound and eventually say the whole word, DADDY. Once more and more sounds are reinforced, more and more words will be in their vocabulary. Children learn to speak by being rewarded for making sounds that approximate speech (Feldman, 20210326, p. 159). When we use the process of shaping, language becomes more similar to adult speech. The one problem with the learning approach is it doesn't seem to explain how the rules of language are acquired.

The nativist approach is a genetically determined, innate mechanism that directs the development of language (Feldman, 20210326, p. 160). Depending on your maturation, will evaluate the natural capacity to use language that we are born with. Chromsky suggested that throughout the whole world, there is universal grammar. Within this view, a neural system called a language-acquisition device, which the human brain is wired to do (Feldman, 20210326, p. 160). Using LAD permits understanding the language structure and provides strategies and techniques for learning particular characteristics of the language the child is being taught or exposed to (Feldman, 20210326, p. 160).

Out of all three theories, two do not fully explain language acquisition. The interactionist approach uses both, using a combination of genetically determined predispositions and environmental circumstances that teach language (Feldman, 20210326, p. 160). Combining both reinforcement and exposure is determined by the language. It's not just one or the other, its innate factors shape broad outlines. Social factors are also a key to development, society and cultural interactions with others can lead to the growth of their language skills.

If I had to choose between three theories, I would choose the learning theory. The theory is based on language acquisition following the fundamental laws of reinforcement and conditioning. It is how I taught my children and how I felt like they learned. As soon as they started to do the smallest coo's or ga's we do them back. My youngest son is in speech, and his teacher has told us to reinforce the sounds to help him learn them and have them become familiar sounds. She also suggested that when he makes the wrong sound again redo the sound with the word. Again we are reinforcing, and it has been working.

Respondtoat least oneof your colleagues' postings by explaining what your point of view is, and then share why it is important for your colleague to consider. Alternatively, you could respond to your colleague's ideas by offering additional insights that you think could be helpful for your colleague to consider. For example, if your colleague definedinfant directed speechbut did not discuss it further, you could describe how you may have used infant directed speech with your own children and support your experience with research from the Week 2 Learning Resources.