What analysis did Skinner contribute to the field of language?

B.F. Skinner significantly contributed to our understanding of language through the functional analysis of verbal behavior. He proposed that language is a behavior that can be analyzed in terms of its function in a social context rather than focusing on the structural aspects of language itself. By examining how verbal behavior is reinforced by environmental stimuli, Skinner suggested that language develops through operant conditioning, where the consequences of speech (such as social praise or attention) influence the likelihood of that speech occurring again.

This approach emphasizes that language is not just an innate ability but is shaped by interaction with the environment. Through his analysis, Skinner delineated different types of verbal operants, such as mands (requests), tacts (labels), echoics (repeats), and intraverbals (conversational exchanges), highlighting the varied functions that verbal behavior serves in communication. This functional viewpoint laid the groundwork for further research and applications in behavior analysis and education, particularly regarding teaching language and communication skills.