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Learning Theory and Concepts

Usage-Based Theory of Language Acquisition

Foundational and Developmental Learning Concepts

Usage-based models of language are linguistic approaches, developed within a broader functional or cognitive framework, that emerged in the late 1980s. These models hold that there is a deep relationship between the structure of a language and how that language is actually used, treating a speaker's language knowledge as something built up from their accumulated experience with concrete instances of language use, rather than derived from an innate, abstract grammar.

Facts
Core Claim
Usage-based models of language are linguistic approaches within a broader functional or cognitive framework that emerged in the late 1980s, holding that there is a profound relationship between linguistic structure and usage. 1
Origin Year
1987 1
Connections

Associated With

Both are emergentist accounts of language acquisition offered as alternatives to strict innatist theories.

Source Competition Model (Wikipedia)
Sources
1. Wikipedia: Usage-Based Models of Language
Wikipedia
  • History section, first sentence
    The term "usage-based" was first coined by Ronald Langacker in 1987.
  • Lead section, first paragraph
    Usage-based models of language are linguistic approaches within a broader functional or cognitive framework that emerged in the late 1980s. These models assume a profound relationship between linguistic structure and usage.
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Competition Model (Wikipedia)
Wikimedia FoundationAssociated With: Competition Model, Lead section
Quote, Associated With: Competition Model, Lead section
It is an emergentist theory of language acquisition and processing, serving as an alternative to strict innatist and empiricist theories.
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