NOAM CHOMSKY

Unit 11: Theorists of Language

development
Chomsky
The ability to learn language is instinctive
His theory explains why all babies language
development follows a pattern
Humans have a Language Acquisition Device
(LAD) a structure within the brain that allows
babies to absorb and understand the rules of
language they are being exposed to. The brain
is able to analyse the language and work out the
system that the language uses
Continuation
This explains why children can quickly
understand and then use their language
creatively and correctly without ever being
formally taught or knowing the rules
Mark Scheme notes
Biological Approach Chomsky:
Children are born ready to learn whatever
languages they hear around them
through the LAD. There is a specific period
during childhood when language
development is triggered.
Children learn to talk because they are
genetically equipped to do so