Noam Chomsky, a linguist, proposed the idea of a Language Acquisition Device (LAD) as a theoretical brain mechanism that enables humans to acquire language.
According to Chomsky, the LAD is an innate element of the human brain containing predefined grammatical patterns found in all languages. Chomsky suggested that this mechanism is responsible for the rapid and effortless language acquisition seen in children, requiring minimal explicit teaching.
In his theory of Nativism, he contends that children possess an intrinsic capacity to acquire language as a result of a theoretical 'tool' within the child's brain. Let's delve deeper into Chomsky's LAD theory.
The Nativist Theory of Language Acquisition Device
Chomsky's LAD theory is part of the nativist theory in linguistics, which posits that children possess an inherent capacity to grasp and systematize the core principles and frameworks of a language, enabling them to acquire a native language rapidly.
Innate refers to something that exists from birth in a person or animal, being inherent and not acquired through learning.
Behaviorist theorists like B. F Skinner claim that children are born with minds as 'blank slates' and acquire language through imitating their caregivers, whereas nativist theorists propose that children are born with an innate ability to learn a language.
Nativist theorists typically side with nature in the ongoing nature vs nurture debate, which has been ongoing since 1869.
Behaviorist theorists dominated the language acquisition debate for years because of the insufficient scientific support for the nativist theory. The entrance of Noam Chomsky altered this landscape entirely. Chomsky, a leading figure in nativist theory, played a key role in transforming the field of linguistics during the 1950s and 60s, viewing language as a distinctively human, biologically rooted cognitive capacity.
Decoding the Language Acquisition Device by Noam Chomsky
Noam Chomsky, an American linguist and cognitive scientist, is known for his groundbreaking work on the Language Acquisition Device (LAD).
In the 1950s, Chomsky challenged the behaviorist theory of language acquisition and proposed that children have an innate ability to learn language from birth. He observed that children could form grammatically correct sentences even with limited language input.
Chomsky introduced the concept of the LAD in the 1960s, suggesting that it is a cognitive mechanism that enables children to acquire language. According to his theory, all human languages share a common structural basis, and the LAD helps children understand and produce grammatically correct sentences based on the language input they receive.
Decoding the Language Acquisition Device by Noam Chomsky
Chomsky initially proposed that the LAD contains specific knowledge essential for language acquisition. However, he later revised his theory to suggest that the LAD functions more as a decoding mechanism. He emphasized that the LAD is a unique human trait that distinguishes us from animals, as it enables us to comprehend and use language effectively.
Chomsky's concept of Universal Grammar highlights the idea that all human languages share fundamental grammar structures, reinforcing the notion that the LAD is not language-specific but serves as a tool for understanding language rules.
It is crucial to recognize that the LAD is a theoretical construct and not a physical device in the brain. Chomsky's work on the LAD has significantly influenced the field of linguistics and continues to spark debates on language acquisition theories.
Characteristics Essential to the Language Acquisition Device
Noam Chomsky's theory suggests that the Language Acquisition Device (LAD) is a biological mechanism that assists children in understanding and applying universal grammar principles. The LAD is not limited to any particular language and becomes active when a child is exposed to an adult speaking, enabling the child to learn that specific language.
Universal Grammar
Universal Grammar theory posits that fundamental grammatical structures of language are inherent in the human brain from birth. The language a child will learn is shaped by their environment.
For example, most languages:
- Differentiate between verbs and nouns
- Have a way of talking about the past and present tense
- Have a way of asking questions
- Have a counting system
Universal Grammar theory posits that fundamental grammatical structures of language are inherent in the human brain from birth. The language a child will learn is shaped by their environment.
So, let's break down how the LAD supposedly works:
- The child listens to adult talk, activating the LAD.
- The child instinctively uses universal grammar in speaking.
- The child learns new vocabulary and applies the appropriate grammar rules.
- The child is able to use the new language.
Evidence Supporting the Language Acquisition Device (LAD)
Theorists need evidence to support their theories. Let's look at the two key pieces of evidence for the LAD.
Virtuous Errors
When children are first learning a language, they will, of course, make mistakes. These mistakes can give us information as to how children learn. For example, children have an unconscious ability to recognise the past tense and will begin to associate words ending with a /d/ /t/ or /id/ sound with the past.
Chomsky proposes that children produce 'virtuous errors' like saying 'I goed' instead of 'I went' when initially learning a language because they are inherently capable of deducing grammatical rules without being explicitly taught.
The Poverty of Stimulus
During the 1960s, Chomsky dismissed the behaviorist theory due to the fact that children are often provided with limited language input (baby talk) during their development. He raised doubts about how children could exhibit evidence of grammar acquisition prior to receiving enough linguistic input from those caring for them.
The poverty of stimulus argument suggests that children do not receive enough linguistic input in their environment to learn all aspects of language. Chomsky proposed that the human brain is inherently equipped with certain linguistic knowledge from birth, allowing children to grasp the fundamental structures of language.
Critiques of the Language Acquisition Device (LAD)
Other linguists have contrasting views on the LAD. Critiques of the LAD and Chomsky's theory primarily originate from linguists aligned with the behaviorist theory. Behaviorist theorists differ from nativist theorists in asserting that children acquire language by emulating the adults in their environment, thus favoring nurture over nature.
Behaviourists argue that there is not enough scientific evidence to support the existence of a language acquisition device. For example, we do not know where the LAD is located in the brain. For this reason, many linguists reject this theory.