Which theory suggests that children must have cognitive skills developed before acquiring language?

The cognitive approach posits that cognitive development is a precursor to language acquisition. This theory is rooted in the work of developmental psychologist Jean Piaget, who argued that children must first develop certain cognitive skills—such as the ability to think symbolically and understand concepts like object permanence—before they can fully grasp and use language.

According to this approach, children's understanding of the world influences their ability to learn and use language. For example, as children progress through different stages of cognitive development, they become increasingly capable of complex thought processes, which in turn enhances their language skills. This suggests a strong interrelation between cognitive processes and language development, emphasizing that adequate cognitive abilities are essential for effective language acquisition.