Question

Noam Chomsky's theory suggests that humans are born with an innate capacity for language. What is the term he uses to describe this innate language-learning ability?

• A. Language Acquisition Device (LAD)
• B. Universal Grammar
• C. Critical Period Hypothesis
• D. Interaction Hypothesis

Answer 1

Answer:

A. Language Acquisition Device (LAD)

Noam Chomsky's Theory of Language Acquisition

• Universal Grammar (UG): Chomsky proposed that all humans are born with an innate mental grammar, termed Universal Grammar. This UG is a set of underlying principles and rules common to all languages, which allows children to acquire language rapidly and effortlessly.
• Language Acquisition Device (LAD): This is the hypothetical neurological structure in the brain, proposed by Chomsky, responsible for language acquisition. The LAD acts as an innate module that enables children to decipher the grammatical structure of the language they are exposed to, even with limited and imperfect input.
• Key Concepts related to LAD/UG:
  • Poverty of the Stimulus: Chomsky argued that the linguistic input children receive is insufficient to explain the complex grammatical structures they acquire. The LAD helps bridge this gap by providing innate linguistic knowledge.
  • Creativity of Language: Children can produce and understand novel sentences they have never heard before, demonstrating an underlying grammatical competence rather than just memorization.
  • Critical Period Hypothesis: While not directly part of the LAD concept, Chomsky's work supports the idea that language acquisition is most effective during a specific early period of life, after which it becomes significantly more difficult.
• Implications for Education and Linguistics:
  • Chomsky's theories revolutionized the study of language, shifting focus from behaviorist explanations to cognitive and innate abilities.
  • Understanding the LAD and UG provides insights into how language is processed in the brain and informs approaches to language teaching and learning, especially for young children.
  • This perspective is crucial for understanding developmental linguistics and psycholinguistics, often tested in competitive exams related to education and linguistics.