Chompsky LAD

Question 1

What is Chomsky’s theory

Answer 1

Language Acquisition Device (LAD)

Question 2

What did he believe

Answer 2

- He believed that learning a language is a natural rather than a taught process
- that every child has a LAD
- e.g. a child could not possibly learn a new language through imitation alone because the grammar of the language around them is often highly irregular. For example, an adults speech is often broken up, and they use slang.

Question 3

What is a LAD

Answer 3

a structure in the brain infants are born with which allows them to quickly learn and understand language as they mature

Question 4

What did he suggest

Answer 4

That all humans follow the same pattern of language development

Question 5

What are the criticisms of chomsky

Answer 5

1. Not enough scientific evidence to back up theory
2. Underestimated the importance of social interaction
3. Didn’t consider children who experience delayed language for a number of reasons