Final answer:
Skinner's theory of language development suggests that we learn language through environmental reinforcement and operant conditioning, but this view has been contrasted with Chomsky's hypothesis of an innate biological mechanism, leading to a consensus that language acquisition is influenced by both nature and nurture.
Step-by-step explanation:
Skinner's Theory of Language Development
B. F. Skinner, a prominent behaviorist, posited that language development is a consequence of environmental reinforcement. According to his theory, children learn to speak by mimicking sounds and sentences, receiving positive feedback or reinforcement for using the correct forms. For instance, when a young child attempts to say 'juice' and is successful, they receive juice from a parent, reinforcing the use of that word.
Skinner's theory responds to the question of how children achieve the complex task of language acquisition so effectively. His explanation relies heavily on the role of operant conditioning, where behaviors followed by positive reinforcement, such as praise or success in communicating, are more likely to be repeated. This process involves the use of a 'Skinner box', where animals were taught to press a lever to receive a food reward, showing how reinforcement shapes behavior.
While Skinner's view focuses on nurture, Noam Chomsky presented a contrasting hypothesis, emphasizing the innate biological mechanisms (referred to as a Language Acquisition Device (LAD)) that facilitate language learning. Critics argue that Skinner's theory underestimates the biological aspect of language development, as language acquisition follows a natural progression and occurs even without formal teaching, echoing Chomsky's criticisms. This debate between nature and nurture continues, with current consensus leaning towards a blend of both innate mechanisms and environmental influence in the process of mastering language.