Compare and contrast the perspectives of language teaching proposed by the behaviourist and the nativist theorists. Illustrate their arguments with practical examples. (20)?

Behaviourist theorists, such as B.F. Skinner, believe that language learning is a result of conditioning and reinforcement. They argue that language is learned through imitation, repetition, and reinforcement of correct responses. According to behaviourists, language is a set of habits that are formed through practice and reinforcement.

On the other hand, nativist theorists, such as Noam Chomsky, believe that language acquisition is innate and that humans are born with the ability to learn language. They argue that there is a universal grammar that is hard-wired into the human brain, which allows individuals to acquire language naturally.

To illustrate the perspectives of these two theories, let's consider the example of teaching a child to say "thank you" in response to receiving a gift. A behaviourist approach would involve the caregiver praising and rewarding the child every time they say "thank you" after receiving a gift. Through repetition and reinforcement, the child would eventually learn to say "thank you" automatically in response to receiving a gift.

In contrast, a nativist approach would suggest that the child has an innate ability to acquire language and that they will naturally learn to say "thank you" without the need for explicit teaching or reinforcement. The child's brain is already programmed with the universal grammar rules that govern language acquisition, so they will pick up on the social cues and norms surrounding saying "thank you" without needing to be explicitly taught.

Overall, behaviourist theorists emphasize the role of conditioning and reinforcement in language learning, while nativist theorists focus on the innate ability of humans to acquire language. Both perspectives offer valuable insights into how language is learned, and a combination of both approaches may be beneficial in language teaching.

Behaviorist Perspective

- Key principles:
- Language learning is a habit formation process.
- Learning occurs through stimulus-response conditioning.
- Language is a set of behaviors that can be taught and reinforced through rewards and punishments.

- Practical examples:
- Repetition and drills: Learners repeat target structures multiple times to form correct language habits.
- Positive reinforcement: Learners are rewarded for correct responses, such as praise or points.
- Negative reinforcement: Learners are punished for incorrect responses, such as loss of privileges or points.

Nativist Perspective

- Key principles:
- Language learning is an innate ability.
- Humans have a genetically-determined capacity for language acquisition.
- Children learn language through natural exposure and interaction.

- Practical examples:
- Immersion: Learners are exposed to target language in authentic settings, such as in a target language country or with native speakers.
- Interactive communication: Learners engage in meaningful conversations and activities that encourage natural language interaction.
- Focus on comprehension: Learners prioritize understanding the target language rather than memorizing rules or structures.

Comparison and Contrast

| Feature | Behaviorist | Nativist |
|---|---|---|
| Theory of language | Language as behavior | Language as an innate ability |
| Learning process | Habit formation | Natural exposure and interaction |
| Focus | Memorization and reinforcement | Comprehension and communication |
| Methodologies | Drills, repetition, positive/negative reinforcement | Immersion, interaction, focus on meaning |
| Role of learner | Passive recipient of information | Active participant in language learning |
| Role of teacher | Instructor, provider of rewards and punishments | Facilitator, guide, creator of language-rich environments |
| Emphasized skill | Accuracy, fluency | Communicative competence, fluency |
| Suitable for | Learners with a narrow focus on accuracy and fluency | Learners with a more holistic approach to language learning |

Conclusion

Behaviorist and nativist perspectives offer contrasting views on language teaching. Behaviorism emphasizes habit formation and reinforcement, while nativism emphasizes natural exposure and innate abilities. Both perspectives have their strengths and weaknesses, and the most effective language teaching approach may vary depending on the learner's needs and goals.