In this theory, Language is acquired by operant conditioning — imitation and reinforcement.
“Frameworks for Learning and Development 3e”
“B.F. Skinner‘s (1957) behaviourist theory of language development explains language acquisition as a ‘stimulus-response’ process. Behaviourists believe language is learned through imitation and practice.
Associating sounds with objects, actions and events, infants learn to speak and listen by turn taking with adult. A process of modelling and reinforecement is used as the child imitates and practises language. In this theory, the child is seen as ‘an empty vessel’ waiting to be filled with knowledge and information. According to behaviourist theory, children learn language by imitating an adultmodel and having their attempts either positively or negatively reinforced.
Behaviourist theory does not adequately explain the rapid development of language which cannot be learned solely by imitation, nor does it explain why children make mistakes when generalising rules such as pasttense; for example, ‘I wented to the beach’ or ‘I goed shopping yesterday.’ “
Early Years Matters 