Nativism Flashcards
What is Nativism?
Nativism is the belief that child language acquisition is innate.
Who is the pioneer for the nativist view of child language acquisition?
Noam Chomsky
What does Chomsky believe in terms of child language acquisition?
Chomsky believes in an innate ability to acquire grammar, ‘universal grammar’.
What is the Language Acquisition Device (LAD) according to Chomsky?
The Language Acquisition Device (LAD) is a device in our brains that allows us to acquire grammar.
What is the Critical Period Hypothesis according to Chomsky?
The Critical Period Hypothesis states that LAD has to be used in the first years of life.
Who disagreed with Chomsky’s merge theory?
Tomasella
What is Tomasella’s belief about Chomsky’s theory?
Tomasella believes that Chomsky’s idea is not valid.
Who was the biggest advocate for Chomsky’s theory of universal grammar?
Steven Pinker
What is Pinker’s argument for universal grammar?
Pinker’s argument is that children cannot be imitating from their environment/caregivers.
What does Pye argue about cultures around the world and how they raise children?
Pye argues that cultures around the world raise children differently, including some that don’t use Child-Directed Speech.
What does Berko-Gleason’s Wug Test demonstrate about children and grammar?
The Wug Test shows that children follow the rules of grammar even with made up nonsense words, suggesting a ‘universal grammar’ that seems innate to them.
What is the Genie case study about?
Genie was a feral child who was abused until the age of 13, shut away and deprived of all human contact. Despite efforts to develop language, she was never able to do so.
What does the Genie case study support?
The Genie case study adds support to Chomsky’s Critical Period Hypothesis.
