The purpose of this essay is to explore language acquisition and to compare and contrast different theories of language acquisition and language development . Language in its most basic form is used to communicate our needs and desires. It encompasses a range of delivery modes including signs, spoken and written words, posture, eye contact, facial expressions and gestures. So how do you learn “language”? Are we born with communication skills, or is it something we have to learn or have learned? Four theories are examined in this essay to determine how children acquire and then develop language. These theories include behaviorist, nativist, cognitivist and sociocultural. This essay will highlight some similarities and differences in each theory and their impact on a child's language acquisition and development. Finally, we will consider the implications of these theories when working with children. Can a teacher deliver a quality literacy program based on just one of these theories or should they incorporate elements of all four? Sims (2012), p. 21, states that “high-quality learning experiences during the first years of life improve children's cognitive and language skills.” This places a great responsibility on educators and teachers to provide an environment rich in learning opportunities that will encourage both language acquisition and development. Language acquisition is perhaps one of the most debated issues in human development. Various theories and approaches have emerged over the years to study and analyze this development process. One factor contributing to the divergence between theories is the nature versus nurture debate. A frequently asked question is, are humans a...... middle of paper ......conditioning.htmlSims, M. & Hutchins, T. (2011). Program planning for infants and toddlers: In search of connections. Sydney: Pademelon Press. Slavin, L. (2010). Cooperative learning theory. Retrieved from http://books.google.com.au/books?hl=en&lr=&id=oE-3bZik8rQC&oi=fnd&pg=PA160&dq=slavin+2010+theory+on+cooperative+learning&ots=K_fTJis6u7&sig=O6SN6RtlnBSjSt-VP8lFzxIN944#v= onepage&q&f=falseStocia, D. (2008). Vygotsky's theory of cognitive development [Online presentation]. Retrieved from http://www.slideshare.net/dtr200x/vygotskys-theory-of-cognitive-development-presentationVukelich, C, Christie, J & Enz, B 2002, Helping young children learn language and literacy, Allyn & Bacon, Bosten MA. Wadsworth, B. (1978). J. Piaget for The Professor. NY, Longman, Wilhelm, J., Baker, T., & Dube, J. (2001). Strategic reading. Portsmouth, New Hampshire: Heinemann