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Nativist Theory

The Nativist Theory, proposed by Noam Chomsky, posits that humans are born with an innate ability to learn language through a built-in Language Acquisition Device (LAD). This theory is supported by evidence showing that children learn language rapidly, create their own grammatical structures, and that all languages share universal grammatical rules. Critics argue that social interaction and environmental factors are also crucial in language acquisition.

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B2-Aragona John Reymil M.
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77 views10 pages

Nativist Theory

The Nativist Theory, proposed by Noam Chomsky, posits that humans are born with an innate ability to learn language through a built-in Language Acquisition Device (LAD). This theory is supported by evidence showing that children learn language rapidly, create their own grammatical structures, and that all languages share universal grammatical rules. Critics argue that social interaction and environmental factors are also crucial in language acquisition.

Uploaded by

B2-Aragona John Reymil M.
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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BORN TO

SPEAK
Unit 2 Lesson 2

Understanding the Nativist Theory


of Language Acquisition
THINK ABOUT THIS
• Think about this: A baby is born
and, within just a few months, they
start making sounds.

• By age two, they start forming


sentences—even if no one formally
"teaches" them grammar!

• How does this happen? Is it just


listening and copying, or is
something deeper at play?
THINK-PAIR-SHARE
Turn to the person next to you and
discuss:

• How did you first learn to speak?

• Do you remember being “taught”


grammar rules, or did you just start
speaking?
THE • The Nativist Theory (also called the
Innateness Hypothesis) states that
NATIVIST humans are born with the ability to

THEORY learn language.

• The ability to speak and understand


language is hardwired into the
brain—just like breathing!

• This idea was introduced by Noam


Chomsky, a famous linguist.
THE LANGUAGE
ACQUISITION DEVICE (LAD)

• Chomsky proposed that every


human has a built-in tool for
learning language called the
Language Acquisition Device (LAD).

• The LAD is like a mental “software”


that helps babies quickly recognize
patterns in speech.

• It allows them to understand


grammar rules even if no one
explains them!
EVIDENCE • Speed of Language Learning – Babies learn
language too fast for it to be just copying.
SUPPORTING
NATIVISM • Children Say Words They’ve Never Heard –
Have you ever heard a child say “I goed to
school” instead of “I went”? This shows that
they are not just repeating what they hear—
they are applying grammar rules on their
own!

• Deaf Children Create Language – Even


without formal teaching, deaf children
invent their own sign languages, proving that
the brain is wired for communication.
• Chomsky believed in Universal
UNIVERSAL Grammar (UG)—a set of basic

GRAMMAR
grammatical rules shared by all
languages.
• This explains why all languages have
similarities!

Example: All languages have ways to


express subjects and actions:
• English: “I eat.”
• Spanish: “Yo como.”
• French: “Je mange.”
UNIVERSAL GRAMMAR
Word in English Other Languages (Find the Match!)
Mother Chien (French)
Father Maman (French)
Water Sol (Spanish)
Sun Padre (Spanish)
Dog Wasser (German)
UNIVERSAL GRAMMAR
English Sentence Other Languages (Find the Match!)
I love you. Danke. (German)
Good morning. Te amo. (Spanish)
What is your name? Adiós! (Spanish)
Goodbye! Ano ang pangalan mo? (Tagalog)
Thank you. Bonjour. (French)
CRITICISM OF
NATIVISM
Some scientists argue that:

• Social interaction is more important


than an inborn ability.

• The environment plays a major role


in language learning.

• Some languages have structures


that don’t fit Universal Grammar.

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