Which perspective emphasizes the role of environment and reinforcement in the acquisition of language?

The behavioral perspective emphasizes the role of environment and reinforcement in the acquisition of language. This viewpoint, largely associated with the theories of B.F. Skinner, suggests that language is learned through interactions with the environment, particularly through processes such as imitation, repetition, and reinforcement. Children learn to speak and construct sentences by mimicking the speech they hear around them and receiving positive feedback (reinforcement) when they correctly use language, which encourages further attempts at communication.

This approach contrasts with other perspectives that focus on different aspects of language acquisition. For instance, the cognitive perspective emphasizes internal mental processes and the innate cognitive abilities that contribute to language learning. The neuroscience perspective looks at the biological and neurological mechanisms underlying language, while the developmental perspective considers the changes and milestones in language development across different stages of a child's life. Each of these perspectives provides valuable insights but does not primarily highlight the role of reinforcement and environment in the way that the behavioral perspective does.