Nature, Nurture or Interaction

The four theories that explain language development are B.F. Skinner's behaviorist

perspective, Noam Chomsky's cognitive-based perspective, Social Impulsion Theory, and

Hybrid Theory. The behaviorist perspective proposes that language is learned through

reinforcement — when an individual is exposed to spoken language, they learn how it works as a

result of positive reinforcement such as rewards or praise (Fogle, 2022). This theory sees

language acquisition as something 'taught' rather than 'innate.' Although this theory does shed

light on Michelle's experience initially, it does not seem to explain why she could no longer

process certain speech sounds once she reached her teenage years.

Noam Chomsky's cognitive-based perspective explains language development as the

result of an innate ability in humans known as Universal Grammar or "deep structure." This

allows us to make the necessary connections between words to communicate effectively with

others regardless of our environment and experiences (Gleason & Ratner, 2022). However, while

this might explain why Michelle could process multiple languages at such a young age, it does

not account for why Michelle was only able to do so as a baby and not as a teenager.

Social Impulse Theory proposes that individuals learn by observing others in their

environment — primarily those close relations or parents—and are thus greatly influenced by

social context and external influences while they continue developing their linguistic skillset

(Fogle, 2022). In terms of Michelle's experience, this theory helps to explain further why she

could only distinguish between different spoken languages during her younger years when she

had more access to her parents and other respected figures in her life who spoke different

languages than her own.

 Finally, Hybrid Theory combines aspects from all three ideas, making it the best

explanation for Michelle's experience. According to this theory, children have an innate ability to

process multiple languages at a very early stage due to Universal Grammar, then mold over time

according to unique rules of their native language that they learn through reinforcement and

social impulse (Gleason & Ratner, 2022). Thus, they form what will ultimately be their authentic

dialect or native tongue after maturing into teenagers and beyond, where linguistic preferences

become firmly established conventions based mainly on cultural context or personal preference

regardless of past exposure levels or initial inclinations towards specific grammar structures or

vocabulary applications.
 References

Fogle, P. T. (2022). Essentials of communication sciences & disorders. Jones & Bartlett

Learning.

Gleason, J. B., & Ratner, N. B. (2022). The development of language. Plural Publishing.