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The Neo-Vygotskian Approach to Early Communication

“…Based on this approach to development, Lisina’s research suggests that child-adult communication develops genetically through different, qualitatively distinct, successive stages of activity (Lisina 1986/2001, 36). Cultural-historical research on the ontogenesis of communication required a more accurate definition of the form of communication.…”

“…Unlike Vygotsky and Mahler, Lisina did not focus on the unity between infants and adults, but emphasized so-called neoformations in the first years of life , i.e. the emotional, inter-personal relations between infants and adults (Lisina 1986/2001). Based on Vygotsky’s concept of child-adult relations as a basis for development in early ontogenesis, Russian neo-vygotskians (Lisina 1974, Elkonin 1969, Lisina & Galigusova 1980) regarded emotional communication with adults as a leading activity in the in infants’ first year of life.…”

“…Lisina claimed – contrary to the British theory of object relations – the need for communication is not congenital. According to Lisina’s studies (1986/1989), the adult initiatives and relations to infants constitute a principal condition for the occurrence of the need for communication (“social smile”, cf. Lisina 1986/2001).…”

“…According to Lisina’s studies (1986/1989), the adult initiatives and relations to infants constitute a principal condition for the occurrence of the need for communication (“social smile”, cf. Lisina 1986/2001). The need is mediated by the adult caregiver and constitutes “the basis for the development of strong emotional bonds between the infant and the primary caregiver, which, starting with Bowlby (1969), has been called attachment ” (Karpov 2003, 142).…”

“…Vygotsky’s concept of development of higher mental functions (from inter to intra), was repeatedly confirmed in Lisina’s research. Lisina’s empirical studies indicates that children’s inner plans of operation, emotional experiences at different levels, cognitive activity, spontaneity and will, self-evaluation and self-consciousness originate in and develop through communication with others (Lisina 1986/2001).…”