Innatism (a quick lesson)

Summary

This transcript discusses the theory of innatism, particularly in language learning, championed by Noam Chomsky. It argues that language acquisition is primarily driven by innate cognitive structures, with minimal input from the environment. Chomsky's 'poverty of the stimulus' highlights how children learn perfect grammar despite incomplete and flawed speech input. The process involves hypothesis testing and rule acquisition, not imitation. The theory introduces concepts like universal grammar, which is present in the brain and shaped by specific languages. Language acquisition is considered unique to humans and separate from general cognitive development.

Takeaways

• 🧠 Innatism, also known as nativism, believes that the mind is the primary driver of language learning, with minimal help from the environment.
• 📚 Noam Chomsky is the main proponent of innatism and criticized behaviorism for its inconsistencies in explaining language learning.
• 🗣️ Chomsky introduced the concept of 'poverty of the stimulus,' arguing that environmental input is insufficient to explain language acquisition.
• 👶 Despite being exposed to imperfect speech, children develop grammatically correct language, which supports Chomsky's theory.
• ❌ Errors in language learning are viewed as hypothesis testing by learners, who internally develop grammar and occasionally make mistakes.
• 🔄 Over-generalization occurs when learners apply grammar rules to exceptions, demonstrating that learners acquire rules rather than merely imitate speech.
• 🧩 Innatists argue that there is a specific part of the brain, known as the Language Acquisition Device (LAD), dedicated to learning language.
• 🌍 Universal grammar, an innate mental structure, shapes the grammar of all languages, and learners mold it to fit specific languages like English.
• 🔬 Universal grammar provides constraints on grammar possibilities, while input from the environment determines which specific grammar rules are followed.
• ⏳ The Language Acquisition Device is most effective in early childhood and typically becomes less accessible after puberty, aligning with a critical period for language learning.

Q & A

What is innatism, also known as nativism, in language learning theory?

Innatism, or nativism, is the belief that the primary driver of language learning is the mind, with minimal influence from the environment. It argues that humans are born with an innate ability to acquire language.

Who is the main proponent of innatism in language learning?

The main proponent of innatism in language learning is Noam Chomsky.

What is Noam Chomsky's criticism of behaviorism in relation to language learning?

Chomsky criticized behaviorism, claiming that it does not adequately explain how children learn language. He argued that behaviorism fails to account for the real-world complexities of language learning.

What does Chomsky mean by the 'poverty of the stimulus'?

The 'poverty of the stimulus' refers to the idea that the linguistic input children receive from their environment is insufficient to explain their ability to acquire complex grammar and language.

How does Chomsky illustrate the concept of 'poverty of the stimulus'?

Chomsky points out that children are often exposed to incomplete or incorrect speech, yet they develop grammatically correct language. For example, children instinctively know that certain sentences are wrong without having been explicitly told.

What role do errors play in language learning according to innatists?

Innatists believe that errors occur when learners test their hypotheses about language rules. These errors are part of the learning process and reflect an internal understanding of grammar that may differ from socially accepted norms.

What is over-generalization in language learning?

Over-generalization happens when language learners apply a grammatical rule to situations where it doesn't apply, such as using 'tooths' instead of 'teeth'. This shows that learners are actively forming rules, not just imitating speech.

What is the role of the Language Acquisition Device (LAD) according to innatists?

The LAD is a hypothetical mechanism in the brain, proposed by Chomsky, that enables children to acquire language. It provides the child with innate principles of grammar, which are then shaped by their exposure to a specific language.

What is Universal Grammar according to Noam Chomsky?

Universal Grammar is the concept that all human languages share a common underlying structure, and it is this shared structure that humans are born with. Language learning involves shaping this universal grammar into the specific grammar of the language being learned.

What is the critical period in language acquisition?

The critical period refers to the time frame during which the Language Acquisition Device (LAD) is active, allowing children to acquire language easily. After puberty, this device typically atrophies, making language learning more difficult.