Unit 1 - Chomsky

Question 1

What was chomskys model?

Answer 1

Language acquisition

Question 2

What did he believe?

Answer 2

The ability to develop language is genetically programmed into individuals

Question 3

When did he believe everyone became fluent in at least one language by?

Answer 3

5-6 years old

Question 4

What does a language acquisition device do?

Answer 4

Enables children to be able to understand and develop language they experience

Question 5

Why did he believe that language cant be learnt through imitation?

Answer 5

Grammar and syntax of langauge around them is highly irregular

adults use of slang and ungrammatical sentences

Question 6

What are four of the strengths of chomskys theory?

Answer 6

1. Children who are learning to speak do not make gramatical errors
2. If an adult said something gramatically incorrect, a child would notice
3. Some things children say which are gramatically incorrect cannot be learnt
4. Children go through the same stages of language acquisition regardless of the language

Question 7

What are three of the weaknesses of chomskys theory?

Answer 7

1. There is a lack of scientific evidence
2. Bruner says that social interaction has far more influence on children than Chomsky suggests
3. Did not take into account delayed language development (such as disabilities)