Language acquisition and behavioral analysis has always been two topics that have correlated to one
another. B.F. Skinner described language as a learned behavior that can be analyzed based on the same
principles as nonverbal behaviors. Language acquisition can also be measured by behavioral analysis
by using verbal operants. Environmental variables can be controlled in order to help facilitate language
acquisition in a child. A behavioral analysis of language is conducted based on the same principles as
nonverbal behavior. Therefore a behavioral analyst aims to find the source of control that elicits a
response behavior and determines if the control is appropriate or not.
Clegg, J., Law, J., Rush, R., Peters, T. J. and Roulstone, S. (2015), The contribution of early language
development to children’s emotional and behavioural functioning at 6 years: an analysis of data
