How to Acquire a Language

The acquisition of language began at infancy, progressing from the babbling of a single word to two words and then complete sentences by wat of interacting with other children and adults. Based on the readings, I believe that the interactionist perspectives approach has helped shape my language development. At its core, the social interactionist theory stresses on the environmental and context in which the language is being developed (Nor & Ab Rashid, 2018). In my opinion, this approach helped me acquire language because its focus is mainly on language pragmatic other than grammar which comes at a later time. 

In the interactionist perspectives approach a child exists in a negotiated environment where there is a possibility of feedback. The appeal of the interactionist perspectives approach is its importance in the places where as a child I grew up. These include my home and the general environment that I was exposed to while growing up. As per this approach, the acquisition of language is not an innate ability. Rather, it develops as one negotiates with the environment. Vocabulary is thus bound by context or the culture in which speech can be understood. 

The primary reason I support that I acquired language through the interactionist approaches is based on the fact that utterances makes sense when one is aware of the context. Thus comprehension other than grammar is the main concern for language acquisition. Also there is the concern that language is not universal but bound by time and context. Therefore, I developed language where I needed it the most and most likely understood it. For example as I grew up, at home I deemed it necessary to respond whenever my parents or peers talked to me. As a result of interaction and expected feedback from those around my environment, I acquired language. 

Reference  

Nor, N. M., & Ab Rashid, R. (2018). A review of theoretical perspectives on language learning and acquisition.  Kasetsart Journal of Social Sciences ,  39 (1), 161-167.