The document summarizes four major theories about the nature of language:
1. Behaviorist/Empiricist Theory proposed by Bloomfield, Skinner, and Fries views language as acquired behavior through conditioning and reinforcement consisting of arbitrary symbols and habits.
2. Rationalist/Cognitivist Theory of Chomsky views language as a mental process governed by internalized rules and a universal grammar shared across languages.
3. Nativist Theory of Lenneberg sees language as an innate human capacity mediated by an inborn Language Acquisition Device.
4. Sociolinguistic Theory of Hymes and Halliday sees language as not just rules but also rules for use, considering both linguistic competence and
The document summarizes four major theories about the nature of language:
1. Behaviorist/Empiricist Theory proposed by Bloomfield, Skinner, and Fries views language as acquired behavior through conditioning and reinforcement consisting of arbitrary symbols and habits.
2. Rationalist/Cognitivist Theory of Chomsky views language as a mental process governed by internalized rules and a universal grammar shared across languages.
3. Nativist Theory of Lenneberg sees language as an innate human capacity mediated by an inborn Language Acquisition Device.
4. Sociolinguistic Theory of Hymes and Halliday sees language as not just rules but also rules for use, considering both linguistic competence and
The document summarizes four major theories about the nature of language:
1. Behaviorist/Empiricist Theory proposed by Bloomfield, Skinner, and Fries views language as acquired behavior through conditioning and reinforcement consisting of arbitrary symbols and habits.
2. Rationalist/Cognitivist Theory of Chomsky views language as a mental process governed by internalized rules and a universal grammar shared across languages.
3. Nativist Theory of Lenneberg sees language as an innate human capacity mediated by an inborn Language Acquisition Device.
4. Sociolinguistic Theory of Hymes and Halliday sees language as not just rules but also rules for use, considering both linguistic competence and
Proponents: Leonard Bloomfield B. F. Skinner, Charles Fries
A. Language is a set of arbitrary symbols
B. Language is a system of habits C. Language is acquired behavior through conditioning and reinforcement. D. Language is surface structure II. Rationalist/ Cognitivist/ Mentalistic Theory –
Proponent: Noam Chomsky
A. Language is a mental process- a creative construction process B. Language is rule- governed behavior C. The speaker-hearer has internalized the rules of the language D. There is a universal grammar – all languages share key characteristics E. A language has a deep and surface structure III. Nativist Theory
Proponent: Eric Lenneberg
A. A language is an innate or inborn capacity of man. B. Man has LAD – Language Acquisition Device C. Language is species- specific IV. Sociolinguistic Theory Proponents: Dell Hymes Michael A.K. Halliday A. Communication Theory Input ------------------------------- Output Encoding ------------- Code language ----------- Decoding Speaker/Writer Sounds/graphemes Listener/ Reader
Language is not only a set of rules of formation (linguistic
competence) but also a set of rules for the use of language B. Pragmatic Theory – John Oller 1. Participants in a conversation should have shared knowledge or presupposition 2. Language has two elements: a. Factive or cognitive element - the use of language through words, phrases, sentences b. Emotive or affective attitudinal element – man’s outlook towards and his non-verbal communication Assignment: Encoded Summarize the theories about the nature of language using the following table: Theory Proponent Principles/ Beliefs