The theory that language comprehension and production abilities develop through continual engagement with language is called

The theory that language comprehension and production abilities develop through continual engagement with language is called

• A. Behaviorism
• B. Nativism
• C. Connectionism
• D. Constructivism

Answer: (C)

Language learning through continual engagement with language is explained by connectionism. This view treats language ability as emerging from learning in interconnected neural networks that adapt as a person hears, processes, and uses language. With repeated exposure, patterns in sounds, word pairings, and sentence structures are reinforced, allowing both understanding and production to improve. Over time, the network captures regularities in the language input, enabling generalization to new utterances and gradual skill development. This data-driven, pattern-based learning accounts for how experience shapes processing without relying on pre-set rules or solely reinforcement. It contrasts with behaviorist ideas that emphasize reinforcement of responses, nativist views of an innate grammar, and constructivist notions of knowledge built through active, broader-based experiences.

Language learning through continual engagement with language is explained by connectionism. This view treats language ability as emerging from learning in interconnected neural networks that adapt as a person hears, processes, and uses language. With repeated exposure, patterns in sounds, word pairings, and sentence structures are reinforced, allowing both understanding and production to improve. Over time, the network captures regularities in the language input, enabling generalization to new utterances and gradual skill development. This data-driven, pattern-based learning accounts for how experience shapes processing without relying on pre-set rules or solely reinforcement. It contrasts with behaviorist ideas that emphasize reinforcement of responses, nativist views of an innate grammar, and constructivist notions of knowledge built through active, broader-based experiences.