Which language development theory proposes that language ability is innate and biological?

Which language development theory proposes that language ability is innate and biological?

• A. Cognitive approach
• B. Linguistic approach
• C. Sociocognitive approach
• D. Behaviorist approach

Answer: (B)

The linguistic approach posits that language ability is innate and biological, a concept largely attributed to theorists like Noam Chomsky. This theory emphasizes that humans are born with a natural capacity for language acquisition, suggesting that there is a universal grammar inherent to all human languages. This innate ability enables children to learn and understand language quickly and easily as they grow, often observing the rapidity with which they can master complex linguistic structures without needing explicit instruction. In contrast, the cognitive approach focuses more on the cognitive processes involved in language, while the sociocognitive approach looks at the interplay between social interaction and cognitive development. The behaviorist approach emphasizes learning through reinforcement and does not account for the innate biological factors surrounding language acquisition. The linguistic approach uniquely emphasizes the predisposition of humans to develop language, anchoring its arguments in the biological underpinnings of language capacity.

The linguistic approach posits that language ability is innate and biological, a concept largely attributed to theorists like Noam Chomsky. This theory emphasizes that humans are born with a natural capacity for language acquisition, suggesting that there is a universal grammar inherent to all human languages. This innate ability enables children to learn and understand language quickly and easily as they grow, often observing the rapidity with which they can master complex linguistic structures without needing explicit instruction.

In contrast, the cognitive approach focuses more on the cognitive processes involved in language, while the sociocognitive approach looks at the interplay between social interaction and cognitive development. The behaviorist approach emphasizes learning through reinforcement and does not account for the innate biological factors surrounding language acquisition. The linguistic approach uniquely emphasizes the predisposition of humans to develop language, anchoring its arguments in the biological underpinnings of language capacity.