• Therefore as behavior, verbal behavior is best analyzed

and explained by considering the environmental stimuli

that preceed it, or its antecedents, and stimuli that follow
it, or its consequences.

• In a behavioral analysis of language, a word is not defined

by its form rather a word is defined by its function or
controlling variables.

• Language is classified into functional categories which are

referred to as verbal operants.

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Behavioral Classification of Language

Primary Verbal Behaviors Non-Verbal Behavior

Mand Tact Listener Behavior

(Requesting) (Labeling) (Receptive)

Echoic
Intraverbal
(Vocal/Manual
(“Wh” questions)
Sign Imitation)

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