The nativist approach

Question 1

Chomsky

Answer 1

argued that the human brain has a naturally programmed ability to learn language, an ability to work out the systems of grammar and syntax

Question 2

LAD (Language acquisition device)

Answer 2

as proposed by Chomsky, the idea that humans are born with an innate language learning capacity

Question 3

tabula rasa

Answer 3

Latin for ‘blank slate’ - used to describe the idea that children are born with undeveloped, fresh brains

Question 4

Universal grammar

Answer 4

the notion that all human languages possess similar grammatical properties which the brain is ‘hard wired’ to be able to decode and use

Question 5

Critical period

Answer 5

the age at which a child will be most receptive to learn language (Lenneburg suggested up to age 5)

Question 6

Evaluation strength:

Answer 6

Children experience the same stages of development at the same time pace

Question 7

Evaluation strength:

Answer 7

explains why virtuous errors are made

Question 8

Evaluation strength:

Answer 8

explains that children make their own rules for language and have an understanding for grammatical rules (Jean Berko wug test)

Question 9

Evaluation weakness:

Answer 9

children still need input to give them more skills than grammar, for example, pragmatic understanding.

Question 10

Evaluation weakness:

Answer 10

children who have been deprived of social contact can’t achieve complete communicative competence (Genie case study)