Jay Doubleyou: steven pinker - and language
Jay Doubleyou: pragmatics: it ain't what you say it's the way that you say it
We have already considered the work of Stephen Krashen:
Second language learning
Krashen believes that
there is no fundamental difference between the way we acquire our first
language and our subsequent languages. He claims that humans have aninnate
ability that guides the language learning process. Infants learn their
mother tongue simply by listening attentively to spoken language that is (made)
meaningful to them. Foreign languages are acquired in the same way.
More on innate language learning
The
claim that humans possess an innate language learning ability stems from
Chomsky (1965), who rejected Skinner's (1957) behaviourist theory that language
learning is habit formation through stimulus and response. Chomsky called the
special inborn language capability the Language Acquisition Device (LAD). From
this he developed the theory that all languages share an underlying system
named Universal Grammar. The hypothesis that the ability to learn language is
innate has been restated more recently by linguist Steven Pinker who claims
that this ability is "hard-wired in the genes".
Chomsky
and Pinker are nativists. Their theories are opposed by contemporary
empiricists such as Sampson (2005), who reiterate Skinner's claim that language
develops in response to environmental influences. Other linguists and cognitive
scientists, such as O'Grady (2005), agree that humans possess significant
innate capabilities. However, they suggest that language learning depends on
general cognitive faculties rather than on a specific language acquisition
mechanism.
The Acquisition-Learning Hypothesis
There are two ways of
developing language ability: by acquisition and by learning. Acquisition is a
sub-conscious process, as in the case of a child learning its own language or
an adult 'picking up' a second language simply by living and working in a
foreign country. Learning is the conscious process of developing a foreign
language through language lessons and a focus on the grammatical features of
that language.
More on the Acquisition-Learning Hypothesis
According
to Krashen learned language cannot be turned into acquisition. It is pointless
spending a lot of time learning grammar rules, since this will not help us
become better users of the language in authentic situations. At most, the
knowledge we gain about the language will help us in direct tests of that
knowledge or in situations when we have time to self-correct, as in the editing
of a piece of writing.
The Input Hypothesis
We acquire language
in one way only: when we are exposed to input (written or spoken language) that
is comprehensible to us. Comprehensible input is the necessary but also
sufficient condition for language acquisition to take place. It requires no
effort on the part of the learner.
Jay Doubleyou: theories of language learning and teaching: behaviourism vs nativism
Jay Doubleyou: theories of language learning and teaching: input part two
Jay Doubleyou: antimoon
Are we all 'tabula rasa'?
Important evidence against the tabula rasa model of the mind comes from behavioural genetics, especially twin and adoption studies. These indicate strong genetic influences on personal characteristics such as IQ, alcoholism, gender identity, and other traits.[11]
Tabula rasa - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Or are we born with distinct personalities and the ability to do things, including how to use language?
The Language Instinct - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jay Doubleyou: what makes us human: noam chomsky and human languages
BBC Radio 4 - A History of Ideas, Barry Smith on Noam Chomsky and Human Language, Noam Chomsky on Language Aquisition
But isn't it dangerous to think that we are all born 'unequal'?
Jay Doubleyou: in/equality - the pay gap - part 3
Noam Chomsky doesn't think so:
Jay Doubleyou: chomsky and language acquisition
Jay Doubleyou: propaganda, public relations and manufacturing consent
Nor does Steven Pinker:
On the other hand, if some people have less innate ability through no fault of their own, then this can be taken as support for redistribution policies to those with less innate ability.
The Blank Slate - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jay Doubleyou: the fall and rise of social democracy?
But let's go back to the beginning:
A June 2002 survey listed Skinner as the most influential psychologist of the 20th century.[17]
B. F. Skinner - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
This is quite a positive view of BF Skinner:
Social Engineering 101 - Skinner's Work - YouTube
This is not quite so positive:
HUMAN RESOURCES Social Engineering In The 20th Century HQ FULL - YouTube
And this is Chomsky on Skinner:
Noam Chomsky Vs. B. F. Skinner - YouTube
Skinner is considered rather creepy:
5 Creepy Ways Video Games Are Trying to Get You Addicted | Cracked.com
See also:
Jay Doubleyou: cognitive science and developmental neuroscience
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