What does Skinner's theory highlight in terms of language acquisition?

Skinner's theory of language acquisition emphasizes the crucial role of positive reinforcement in the process of learning language. According to Skinner, children acquire language through a process of operant conditioning, where they learn to associate specific sounds and words with particular meanings and contexts based on the responses they receive from their environment. When a child attempts to communicate and successfully gets a positive reaction or reinforcement—such as praise, attention, or a desired object—they are more likely to repeat that behavior in the future. This reinforcement helps solidify their language skills as they continue to explore and expand their vocabulary and grammar.

Skinner's perspective suggests that language acquisition is not merely a passive reception of language input but an active process shaped largely by the interactions a child has with caregivers and their surroundings. This focus on reinforcement highlights the importance of environmental factors in shaping a child's linguistic abilities, emphasizing that positive feedback can encourage further language use and learning.