Which statement best describes Chomsky's view on language development?
AChildren acquire language only through teacher-directed grammar drills at school
BChildren acquire all language strictly through reinforcement, no innate readiness
CChildren have innate universal grammar and a critical period for language learning
DChildren acquire language only after thought has fully matured around age ten
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: C. Children have innate universal grammar and a critical period for language learning
1. The chapter contrasts behaviourist and innatist accounts of language acquisition.
2. Skinner's view emphasises association, imitation and reinforcement.
3. Chomsky put forth the innate proposition of language development.
4. He argued the rate at which children acquire words cannot be explained by learning principles alone.
5. Children are born with universal grammar and pass through a critical period for language learning.
6. Hence Chomsky's view emphasises innate universal grammar and a critical period.
_Source: NCERT Class 11 Psychology Ch 7 "Thinking", p. 123, Development of Language_
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