Is language acquisition innate or learned by the environment? Justify the statement and give at least two relevant examples.

Solution:

Language acquisition is a complex process that involves both innate abilities and learning from the environment. While humans are born with certain innate language capabilities, such as a predisposition for language processing, the specific language they acquire and their proficiency in it are heavily dependent on environmental factors, such as exposure to language and social interactions. This viewpoint is supported by various theories of language acquisition and empirical evidence. Here are two relevant examples that illustrate the interplay between innate abilities and environmental influences:

• Universal Grammar and innate language abilities: Noam Chomsky's theory of Universal Grammar proposes that humans possess an innate linguistic framework that enables them to acquire language. According to this theory, all languages share common underlying principles and structures. Children are born with an innate ability to recognize and process these universal features of language, which serve as a foundation for language learning. For example, children around the world tend to acquire certain linguistic structures, such as subject-verb-object word order, regardless of their native language. This suggests an innate predisposition for acquiring and processing language.

• Critical period hypothesis and environmental influence: The critical period hypothesis suggests that there is a specific window of time during which language acquisition is most effective. This hypothesis implies that exposure to language and social interactions during this critical period is crucial for developing native-like proficiency. For instance, individuals who are not exposed to a language during their early childhood may face significant challenges in acquiring language later in life. Cases of individuals who were isolated or deprived of language input during their early years, commonly known as feral children, provide examples of how the lack of an appropriate linguistic environment can severely impede language acquisition and development.

In summary, language acquisition is a complex process that involves both innate abilities and environmental influences. While humans are born with innate language capabilities, the specific language they acquire and their proficiency in it are heavily shaped by exposure to language and social interactions. The interplay between innate abilities and environmental factors is essential for successful language acquisition.