The purpose of this essay is to explore language acquisition and 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 includes a range of delivery modalities including signs, spoken and written words, posture, eye contact, facial expressions and gestures. So how do we learn the “language”? Are we born with the ability to communicate or is it something we have to learn or have been taught? In this essay, four theories are examined 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 the impact these have on a child's acquisition and development of language. Finally we will examine the implications of these theories when working with children. Can a classroom teacher provide a quality literacy program based on only one of these theories, or must he or she incorporate components of all four? Sims, (2012) pp. 21 states that “high-quality learning experiences in the early years of life improve children's cognitive and language skills.” This places a great responsibility on both educators and teachers to provide an environment rich in learning opportunities that encourages 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 that contributes to the different theories is the nature versus nurture debate. A question that is commonly asked is: should humans be... the focus of the paper......conditioning.htmlSims, M. & Hutchins, T. (2011). Program planning for infants and toddlers: Seeking relationships. 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 M.A.Wadsworth, B. (1978). J. Piaget for the classroom teacher. NY, LongmanWilhelm, J., Baker, T., & Dube, J. (2001). Strategic reading. Portsmouth, NH: Heinemann