Chomskys Model Of Language Acquisition.

Question 1

Theory.

Answer 1

Believed that the ability to develop a spoken language is genetically programmed.
All individuals are born with the ability to understand and use language.
Fluent by 5-6 years.

Question 2

Language Acquisition Device (LAD)??

Answer 2

Individuals are born with LAD.
Enables children to recognise and develop the language they experience.
Acquire language naturally because of maturation.

Question 3

Why did Chomsky believe that children couldn’t just learn through imitation??

Answer 3

As grammar is highly irregular with adults e.g. People use slang.
Chomsky’s believes babies need to experience others using language but do not need to be trained to speak.

Question 4

Criticism of Chomsky’s theory:

Answer 4

Lack of scientific evidence.
Social psychologists argue that social interaction is essential and has more influence on children than Chomsky suggested.
Others argue that Chomsky out too much emphasis on grammar and not enough on the construct meaning from their sentences.
Chomsky didn’t take into consideration children who experience delayed language development for a variety of reasons e.g. Learning disabilities, hearing or speech impairments, Down syndrome.