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Chapter 8: Problem 4

Which theory of language development suggests that people are born with an innate ability for language, called the language acquisition device? a. Whorf's language relativity theory b. Sternberg's triarchic theory c. Skinner's theory of behaviorism d. Chomsky's universal grammar theory

Short Answer

Expert verified
d. Chomsky's universal grammar theory

Step by step solution

01

Understand the Theories

Briefly review each theory provided in the question to understand what each one suggests about language development.
02

Whorf's Language Relativity Theory

This theory, also known as the Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis, suggests that the structure of a language affects its speakers' world view or cognition. This does not relate to an innate ability for language.
03

Sternberg's Triarchic Theory

This theory focuses on three aspects of intelligence (analytical, creative, and practical) but does not specifically address language or an innate ability for language.
04

Skinner's Theory of Behaviorism

Skinner's theory is based on the idea that all behaviors, including language, are learned through interaction with the environment, specifically through reinforcement and imitation. It does not propose an innate ability for language.
05

Chomsky's Universal Grammar Theory

Chomsky proposed that people are born with an innate ability for language, called the language acquisition device. This theory suggests that the ability to learn language is hard-wired into the brain.
06

Select the Correct Answer

From the analysis above, identify which theory suggests an innate ability for language. The correct answer is Chomsky's universal grammar theory.

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Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Universal Grammar
Noam Chomsky, a renowned linguist, introduced the concept of Universal Grammar (UG). According to Chomsky, all human languages share a common underlying structure, known as Universal Grammar. This theory suggests that the ability to learn language is innate and hard-wired into the human brain.
From birth, children are believed to come equipped with a pre-existing grammatical framework that helps them grasp complex language patterns.
Universal Grammar provides a blueprint that all languages follow, which explains why children can learn any language they are exposed to with remarkable ease.
  • Universal properties: UG includes grammatical components that are found in every language.
  • Language variations: Adjustments made in UG to account for the differences among languages.
  • Grammatical principles: The built-in rules that guide sentence structure and language use.
Innate Ability
The concept of innate ability in language development posits that humans are born with the natural skill to acquire language. This notion is backed by the observation that children can learn language without formal teaching and can pick up any language they are regularly exposed to.
  • Genetic predisposition: The human brain is pre-configured to understand and produce language.
  • Rapid acquisition: Children can quickly acquire language, usually beginning to speak within the first few years of life.
  • Consistency: Despite vast differences in individual environments, children's language development follows a similar path globally.
Chomsky believed this innate ability is supported by a specialized component in the brain known as the Language Acquisition Device (LAD).
Language Acquisition Device
The Language Acquisition Device (LAD) is a theoretical construct proposed by Noam Chomsky to explain the rapid and complex ability humans have to acquire language. According to Chomsky, the LAD is an inherent feature of the brain designed specifically for processing language.
  • Brain mechanism: LAD serves as a mental tool that helps children decipher and learn the syntax and structure of their native language.
  • Pattern recognition: It enables children to identify the fundamental rules and patterns in the speech they hear.
  • Universal principles: LAD is based on the universal principles found in all human languages, which align with Universal Grammar.
In essence, the LAD allows children to effortlessly turn the linguistic input they receive into meaningful communication, facilitating a smooth and swift language acquisition process.

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