This lecture teaches about language acquisition and learning theories.

1. Language Learning
and Acquisition
Theories
Dr Zafar Ullah
zafarullah76@gmail.com
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2. Layout
• Theories and Mythological Scenario
• Theory Understanding Tips
• Theories about Origin of Language
• Brain and Cognitive Linguistics
• Theories of Language Acquisition and Learning
• Theorization
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3. Theories; Benefits
• “Theory" is a well-confirmed type of explanation of
nature, …such theories are described in such a way
that scientific tests should be able to provide
empirical support for it, or empirical contradiction of
it” (Schafersman, 1997).
• Knowledge construction
• Why
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4. Mythologies and Language
▪ Hebrew: Adam
▪ Islam: Adam
▪ Vach: Hindu goddess of speech; Later Sarasvati
▪ Africa: one tribe, famine
▪ Europe: Hermes
▪ Norse: gift from deity Ve
▪ Americas: One tribe, flood
▪ Australia: Cannibalism
▪ Sanskrit
▪ Arabic 4

5. Theory Understanding Tips
• Divide and conquer
• Exemplification
• Practical instances
• Visual learner
• Mnemonics
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6. Theories about Origin of Language
1. Natural Evolution Hypothesis
1. Invention Hypothesis/ Ding Dong
1. Pooh-Pooh Theory
1. Bow Wow Theory
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7. cont…
5. Natural Cries of Emotions
6. Ta-Ta Theory
7. Warning Hypothesis
8. The Lying Hypothesis
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8. cont…
9. Yo-he-ho Theory
10. Appeal of Theory
11. Bipedalism
12. Physical Adaptation Source
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9. Brain Structure and Brain Lateralization
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10. Cognitive Linguistics
Cognitive
Science
Cognitive
Psychology
Neuropsy
chology
Linguistics
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11. Piaget’s Theory of Cognitive Development
1. Sensorimotor stage (0–2 years old)
2. Preoperational stage (2–7 years old)
3. Concrete operational stage (7–11 years old)
4. Formal operational stage (11 years old through adulthood)
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12. Language Acquisition and Learning Theories
1. Plato and Innate Knowledge
2. Descartes and Cartesian Linguistics
3. Locke and Tabula Rasa
4. Skinner and the Theory of Behaviourism
5. Chomsky and Universal Grammar. ...
6. Schumann and The Acculturation Model
7. Krashen and the Monitor Model (Input Hypothesis)
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13. 1. Plato and Innate Knowledge
• Acquisition
• innateness
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14. 2. Descartes and Cartesian Linguistics
• “Cogito ergo sum” “I think, therefore I am.”
• Acquisition: Innateness
• Rational creatures needed language to interact
• Finding similarities between L1 and L2
• manipulating existing structures
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15. 3. Locke and Tabula Rasa
• Counter argument of innateness
• Tabula rasa
• Learning through senses and experiences
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16. 4. Skinner and the Theory of Behaviourism
• Behaviorist Theory of Second Language Acquisition
• Behaviour is in response to surrounding stimuli
• Operant conditioning (dog, rat)
• Positive and negative reinforcement
• Audio lingual method followed it
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17. 5. Chomsky’s Language Acquisition Theory
• Human nature lies in the human mind
• Innateness; the antithesis of Skinner
• Children construct grammar (Language and Mind, 1972)
• Theory of Universal Grammar; common features
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18. 6. Schumann and The Acculturation Model
• John Schumann Acculturation Model (1978)
• How immigrants learn a new language
• Attitude Factor Cohesiveness
• Cultural Congruence Enclosure
• Integration Pattern Intended residence Length
• Population Factor Social Dominance
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19. 7. Krashen and the Monitor Model
i. The Acquisition-learning Hypothesis:
listening to speaking
ii. The Input Hypothesis:
comprehensible input
iii. The Monitor Hypothesis:
internal filter to stop mistakes
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20. Cont…
iv. The Natural Order Hypothesis:
Layers, easy to difficult, vocabulary to syntax
v. The Affective Filter Hypothesis:
suggestopedia
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21. Theoretical Linguistics
i. Structuralism:
a sociological semiotic theory,
ii. Functionalism:
language as a tool for communication
iii. Formalism:
language as a mathematical–semiotic system comparison of structures of languages
Semantics Discourse
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22. cont…
iv. Post-structuralism:
language as a societal tool, anthropology
v. Language as an artificial construct
• antithesis,
• Esperanto
• language construction International Auxiliary Language Association
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23. Theorization
• Challenge
• fill the gap
• Problem to solution
• Marriage of knowledge domains
• Universality
• Paradigm shift
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24. Suggested Readings
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25. Access Video and Slides
@drzafarullah76
• Slideshare.net/zafarullah76
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26. Thanks and Questions
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