Question

according to the behaviorist theories of language acquisition, language is ____________. a. learned through imitation and reinforcement b. an innate ability in humans c. a behavioral trait of all humans and animals d. both a mixture of nature and nurture please select the best answer from the choices provided

Explanation:

Behaviorist theories, like B.F. Skinner's, emphasize that language is acquired via imitation (mimicking others' speech) and reinforcement (positive responses for correct language use). Option B aligns with nativist theories (e.g., Chomsky's innate language acquisition device). Option C is incorrect as animals don't have human - like language. Option D is a combination theory (not purely behaviorist). So, the behaviorist view is best represented by A.

Answer:

A. learned through imitation and reinforcement