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Behaviourist theory
Suggests that language is learned like any other skill through imitation and practice. Important aspects of the theory are: reinforcement (positive and negative), repetition, small sequenced tasks and consistency. Strengths: We learn some complex language functions through imitiation - accent, vocabulary and other elements clearly affected. Many early years educational policies are based on the idea that Weakness: Does not explain why children are born with an intrinsic capacity to learn language. Without any training most will learn without problem.
Emergentism
Since Chomsky, there have been many opponents of the generative grammar theory. Evolution does not support the concept of LAD and instead shows that there has been a gradual adaptation of the human brain and vocal chords to language. Emergentism firmly believes that there is a significant amount of learning process involved in language acquisition. While it does not discount a certain degree of innate ability, it puts a significant amount of emphasis on experience and learning
Cognitive theories
Cognitive theories start from the way the brain or mind works. They stress Swiss psychologist's Jean Piaget's focus on the importance of conceptual understanding to language development. A concept has to be understood before a human being can acquire a language form to explain the concept.