LANGUAGE LEARNING THEORIES: BEHAVIOURISM, MENTALISM AND AFFECTIVISM

Abstract

This work focuses on the pedagogical implications of language learning theories, namely behaviourism, mentalism, and affectisim, and their applications in the learning of English as a second language. The behaviourist emphasized on observable traits in learning language through imitation, repetition and memorization. The mentalist is of the view that language learning is a mental concept that involves an innate processing machine in an individual that enables one to learn a second language known as language acquisition device (LAD). From affectivist’s point of view, the emotional needs, motives and attitudinal disposition of the learner are the primary factors in language learning. Exposure to this work will enable both learners and teachers of language to differentiate learning theories and adopt the most suitable ones into teaching and learning.