Schumann: Interactional Instinct Theory

Enhance your students’ evaluative skills with this comprehensive lesson on John Schumann’s Interactional Instinct Theory. Specifically designed for A-Level English Language (9093) Unit 8.7, this PowerPoint explores the biological drive for social bonding as the primary engine for language acquisition.

This is a niche, high-level theory resource that is difficult to find. It includes a specific transcription task (“Building Blocks”) and links linguistics to biological reward systems, making it a “gold-standard” resource for top-tier students.

Key Features:

The Biological Drive: Explanation of the innate “instinct” to bond and affiliate with caregivers (conspecifics).

Neuromodulators in Language: Unique focus on how dopamine and opiates in the brain’s reward system reinforce social interaction and language learning.

Bridging the Gap: A sophisticated look at how the drive to bond is innate (like Nativism), but the language itself is a cultural artifact learned through general cognitive principles.

Schumann vs. Chomsky: Critical evaluation of how this model replaces the specialized “Language Module” with a motivational system.

Transcription Analysis Task: Includes a bespoke transcript of “Leo (26 months) and Mother” playing with blocks. Students identify virtuous errors and analyze them through the lens of social bonding and mimicry.

Modern Perspectives: Discusses how the instinct changes with age, providing excellent material for students to discuss the “Critical Period” from a new angle.