A theory of neurological processes in language acquisition: A qualitative meta-analysis

The purpose of this study was to develop a theory of language acquisition based on neurological processes in the brain, which connects linguistic and psychological constructs to make it both holistic and heuristic. There were two fundamental reasons to conduct a qualitative meta-analysis. First, to build a theoretical framework which would serve as a conceptual support for further hypothetical development and research. Second, because of the diversity of research methods used in the bulk of research in neurolinguistics and related fields of brain research, the researcher had to choose to emphasize only those common elements which would enable him to connect the process of language acquisition in children and neurological processes into a comprehensive theory of neurological processes in language acquisition.; The research method used in this study consisted of three fundamental processes: the literature review, a qualitative meta-analysis of the literature review, and the development of the theory. Through the use of qualitative meta-analysis, the researcher integrated findings and interpretations of research on neurological processes and the process of language acquisition, and analyzed them within constructs of function and interrelated processes.; The researcher proposed a theory of neurological processes in language acquisition stated in the form of six theoretical principles and a set of theoretical concepts. A set of propositions which can be derived from the principles and concepts of the theory is suggested. The researcher recommends to validate of the principles and concepts of the theory through experimental research in neurolinguistics and language acquisition and descriptive research in sociolinguistics and language acquisition. Finally, the researcher recommends the use of the theoretical framework developed as a conceptual support for further hypothetical development and research in the field of education specifically in the fields of language and ESL.