A proposal of functional analysis of the language acquisition: first results

Two longitudinal studies investigated the effects of the word/object pairing (WOP), without reinforcement of any response, in the learning of linguistic competences by infants: 1) during the 7 to 10 month period (competence to point under linguistic criterion); and 2) during the 10 to 13 month period (competence to name). By means of WOP, children did not learn competences. However, in both studies a gradual acquisition of gazing, gesture and vocal imitation responses were verified. These results are discussed in terms of the functionality of WOP, reinforcement of responses, and precurrent behaviors in acquisition of linguistic competences. A possible dynamic of interaction between operant-type and respondent-type processes in language acquisition is discussed. Keywords: language acquisition; functional analysis; word-object pairing; operant/respondent-type processes.