LAD provides children with aknowledge of

linguistic universals

such as the existence

of word order and word classes.

LAD provides children with aknowledge of

linguistic universals

such as the existence

of word order and word classes.

LAD provides children

only general procedures for

discovering language

to be learned.

LAD provides children

only general procedures for

discovering language

to be learned.

Evidence used to support Chomsky’s innatist position:

Evidence used to support Chomsky’s innatist position:

Evidence used to support Chomsky’s innatist position:

• The biological basis for the innatist position:The Critical Period Hypothesis (CPH) –Lenneberg:

• There is a specific and limited time period (i.e., “critical period”) for the LAD to work

successfully.

• Only when it is stimulated at the right time

The biological basis for the innatist position:

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UTFCiGI5wJA

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T_OavglDkn0&feature=related

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Tchn_DXs4o&feature=related

Theory Central idea linguist

Behaviorist Children imitate adults. Their correct

utterances are reinforced when they get what

they want or are praised.

Skinner

Innate Language is an innate capacity. A child's brain

contains special language-learning mechanisms

at birth.

Chomsky

Cognitive Lang. is just one aspect of a child’s overall

intellectual development

Piaget

Cognitive Language is a symbolic representation which

allow the children to abstract the world.

Lev Vygotsky