No.

8
1. The development and principles of structural linguistics (i.e. an attempt to discover the structure of
languages on the basis of data).

Structural linguistic it is possible to describe structure of the language on the basis of the data. It is based on
the believe that its enough to have a proper data to get to know a language, theory of
language. It is related to empiricism.
o Empiricism structurers believe in what they can touch, measure and what is visible.

Structuralism the theory of language. The dying out of Indian American language they started to collect and
analyze the data, record language to preserve it.
2. The main principles of the behaviorist learning theory (conditioning, habit formation, the primacy of
the environment, etc.).

Behaviorism It is theory of learning language, how learning takes place. It is based on empiricism. Language
learning is like any other kind of learning. We learn language in exactly the same way we learn
other things like: walking, drinking etc. Three basic ideas:
o Conditioning it is the process creating link between stimulus (bodziec) and the response by means of
reinforcement. For example: firstly, dog was given food - it salivated. Secondly, before giving the same
dog food, there was a sound of the bell. In the end, dog salivated only on the sound of the bell.
food salivation it is unconditioned response (instinctive) no learning is required.
bell salivation it is conditioned response there have to be learning (dogs dont usually salivate on
the sound of the bell)
o Habit formation we can learn through habitual actions. Some responses are repeated, they become
habits (with the help of reinforcements i.e. hugs and kisses as far as bringing up the children is concerned).
Shaping it is used to teach more complex habits.
o The importance of the environment environment has primary role in learning. According to
behaviorists, the mind doesnt play too big role in learning language its role is very limited. The role of
the organism is considered insignificant.
3. Behaviorist views on first and second language acquisition.

This kind of theory (Behaviorism) explains pretty well FLA (First Language Acquisition) because children simply
have to create new habits. There is a problem though in SLA (Second Language Acquisition) because the learner will
already have one set of habits. As a result it will be necessary to replace the old habits with the new ones. L1
influence L2.
o Negative transfer (interference) using habits in negative way. Takes place when first language habits
and second language habits are different. As a result they will interfere with learning second language. For
example:
1) You are right.
2) Straight from the shoulder.
Masz racj.
Prosto z mostu.
o Positive transfer using habits in positive way. Takes place when first language habits and second
language habits are similar. For example:
1) He has a cat
2) Ha gave me a free hand.
On ma kota.
On da mi woln rk.
Behaviorists believe that most of the mistakes that learners make come from the first language and are the result of
negative transfer.

4. The concept of transformational linguistics.

Transformational-generative linguistics the difference between structuralists and transformatiolists was that
latter believed that it was impossible to discover the structure of language only on the basis of observable data.
They believed that its important to look at the deep structure, not only at surface structure, e.g.:
1) John is easy to please.
John is eager to please.
According to structuralists these 2 sentences are the same.
2) It is easy to please John.
It is eager to please John (incorrect).

Similar at the surface, different in deep structure.

o Mentalism related to transformational linguistic, opposition to behaviorism. Mind is important

for determining human behavior and also the way we do science.
5. Chomskys criticism of the behaviorist learning theory (language is characterized by creativity, children
are heard to produce utterances they have never heard before, learning solely (jedynie, wycznie)
through conditioning would have to be very lengthy, poverty of stimulus argument, etc.).
In Chomskys view ability to speak language is innate. We are born with the special capacity to learn
language LAD (Language Acquisition Device). If children were to learn the language by habit formation it would
take much time (very long process). LAD contains language universals which are rules which are the same for all
languages for all over the world. Depending on environment a particular language will develop. The role of
environment is very limited, it activates LAD. Mind play the main role. Organism is far more important than
environment.

Poverty of stimulus the children language is incorrect (stuff with goed go+ed).
6. Language learning according to the mentalist learning theory (the primacy of the organism, innateness,
LAD, etc.).
Byo wczeniej.
7. The current perspective on the behaviorist/mentalist conflict.
8. The development and significance of sociolinguistics.

Sociolinguistics how language is used by real people in society, in different situations. What is appropriate and
attainable.