Usage-Based Linguistics
Usage-Based Linguistics is a theoretical approach that emphasizes the role of language use in shaping linguistic knowledge. It posits that language is learned through exposure to real-life communication, where patterns and structures emerge from repeated interactions. This perspective suggests that grammar is not a fixed system but is flexible and evolves based on how people use language in context.
This approach is closely associated with researchers like Michael Tomasello and William Croft, who argue that cognitive processes and social interaction are crucial for language acquisition. By focusing on actual language use, Usage-Based Linguistics provides insights into how speakers develop their linguistic abilities over time.