Here's a breakdown of what this means:
* Interactionist Perspective: This perspective argues that language development is not solely determined by innate biological factors (as proposed by nativist theories) or by environmental factors alone (as suggested by behaviorist theories). Instead, it emphasizes the dynamic interplay between the child's biological predisposition for language and their social interactions with their environment.
* Importance of Social Interaction: The interactionist perspective highlights the crucial role of social interaction in language acquisition. Children learn language by actively engaging in conversations, observing others, and receiving feedback on their attempts to communicate.
* Shift from Nativist and Behaviorist Theories: Traditionally, the field was dominated by either nativist theories (e.g., Chomsky's Universal Grammar), which assumed a pre-wired language acquisition device, or behaviorist theories (e.g., Skinner), which emphasized learning through reinforcement. However, the interactionist perspective challenges these extremes, suggesting that language development is a complex process involving both innate abilities and environmental influences.
Evidence Supporting the Interactionist Perspective:
* Cross-cultural variation in language: Different languages have different grammatical structures and vocabulary. This suggests that environmental factors play a significant role in shaping language acquisition.
* Child-directed speech (CDS): Adults often use a simplified and exaggerated form of language when speaking to children, which helps facilitate language learning.
* Early language development: Children develop language skills at a rapid pace, suggesting an interplay between biological predispositions and social interactions.
Why Many Researchers Favor Interactionism:
* More realistic model: The interactionist perspective offers a more holistic and realistic model of language development, considering both internal and external factors.
* Explains individual differences: It can explain why children acquire language at different paces and with different levels of proficiency, acknowledging the unique experiences and interactions each child has.
* Implications for teaching: It suggests that language learning is most effective when children are actively engaged in social interaction and given opportunities to communicate.
Conclusion:
The growing acceptance of the interactionist perspective reflects a deeper understanding of language development. It emphasizes the dynamic relationship between nature and nurture, acknowledging that language is not simply a matter of innate abilities or environmental conditioning but a complex interplay of both.