In this theory, Language is natually acquired through the presence of a language acquisition device (LAD) that is present from birth.
“Framework for Learning and Development 3e”:
“Noam Chomsky’s(1976) nativist theory of language development suggests children are equipped with language skills at birth which are activated as the child matures. Chomsky described language as “unfolding” as the child matures. He believed there were ‘universal principles’ built into the brain, and that the child was preprogrammed to learn language. He used the term language acquisition device (LAD) to describe this special biological brain mechanism. The LAD is activited when infants begin to be exposed to language.”
“Most recently, critics of Chomsky suggest that, rather than being born with the innate ability to use language, children are born with the ability to interpret language using structure analysis. Yang and Lust (2009) refer to this as the child’s ability to ‘crack the codes’of their language, which is a universal skill. Yang and lust believe that children can work out their language system — word meaning, setence structure and sounds — with accurary.”
Applications:
- If the environment that a child grows up with has very little use of language, it is hindering the child’s language development.
- Before talking, if the child has been exposed to language and still doesn’t respond when adults are trying to communicate with the child, for example, making funny sounds and faces but the child has no facial expression (specific months to be confirmed), or calling the child’s name but no responding (at the age of 8 month?)
- the development of acquiring a high level of language skill always start from being able to understand and interpret first. For example, a child that can use single words, understand a simple sentence beofre being able to say it; likewise, a child that can say a simple sentence, understand two steps instructions beofre being able to say a complex sentence. If a child doesn’t listen when complex instructions are given, may be it is because the lack of language development and communication skill. (especially for 3-5 years, NOT ALL the preschoolers are able to comprehence complex instructions which soemtimes mistaken as misbehaviour.)
Early Years Matters 