Question

The cognitivist learning theory of language acquisition was first proposed by:

• A. Noam Chomsky
• B. Stephan Crashen
• C. Jean Piaget
• D. Bertrand Russell

Answer 1

Answer:

C. Jean Piaget

1. Jean Piaget:

   • Piaget focused on cognitive development in general, suggesting that language acquisition happens as part of a child's broader intellectual growth.

   • He believed that children learn language through interaction with their environment, and that cognitive maturity is needed for language development.

2. Noam Chomsky:

   • Chomsky proposed that humans have an innate ability for language, supported by a Language Acquisition Device (LAD).

   • He argued that language acquisition is not learned solely from the environment but is guided by universal grammar, a set of principles shared by all languages.

In summary, Piaget linked language to overall cognitive development, while Chomsky argued that language learning is driven by innate cognitive structures.