What is the primary focus of Behaviorist Theory in language learning?

Behaviorist Theory in language learning emphasizes the role of observable behaviors and the impact of environmental stimuli on those behaviors. The primary focus is on how language is acquired through feedback and reinforcement. In this context, learners are seen as passive recipients who respond to external stimuli, such as rewards or corrections, which prompt them to modify their language use.

In this theory, language learning is approached similarly to any other skill acquisition. For instance, when a learner attempts to speak or write in a second language, positive reinforcement (like praise or rewards for correct use) encourages them to repeat those behaviors, while negative feedback (like gentle corrections) helps them avoid errors in the future. This systematic feedback supports the assertion that behavior can be shaped and changed through consequences, making feedback and reinforcement central to the learning process.

Other perspectives, such as innate language skills or cognitive development stages, focus on internal processes and structures related to language learning, while social interactions emphasize the collaborative and communicative aspects that occur between individuals in a learning environment. These perspectives differ as they do not primarily consider the role of external feedback in shaping language skills.