6. Describe the Chomsky theory of language development.
Certainly! Here is the detailed, well-explained notebook-style 10-mark answer for:
✳️ Q.6. Describe the Chomsky Theory of Language Development.
(भाषा विकास का चॉम्स्की सिद्धांत वर्णित कीजिए।)
(Marks: 10)
🔷 I. Introduction:
Noam Chomsky, a world-renowned linguist and cognitive scientist, proposed the Innatist Theory of language development, also known as the Nativist Theory.
According to Chomsky, children are born with an inborn ability to acquire language. This theory was revolutionary as it rejected the earlier belief that language is learned only through imitation and environment.
✅ He introduced the concept of LAD – Language Acquisition Device which is present in every child’s brain by birth.
🔶 II. Key Assumptions of Chomsky's Theory:
-
🧠 Language is innate (जन्मजात):
Children are biologically programmed to learn language. They do not need formal teaching to speak. -
🗣️ Presence of LAD (Language Acquisition Device):
Every child is born with a mental structure called LAD, which helps them identify and learn the rules of any language they are exposed to. -
🌐 Universal Grammar (सार्वभौमिक व्याकरण):
All human languages share a common set of grammatical rules. The LAD allows children to apply these rules naturally while learning any language. -
👶 Fast & natural language development:
Children acquire complex grammar even before formal schooling and often without explicit instruction. -
💡 Creativity in language use:
Children produce new sentences they have never heard before, which shows they are not just imitating but applying internal rules.
🔷 III. Evidence Supporting Chomsky’s Theory:
| Observation | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| 🍼 Children learn language quickly and effortlessly | Suggests the presence of an innate mechanism |
| 🗨️ Children form grammatically correct sentences without being taught | Indicates internal grammar rules |
| ❌ Children sometimes make grammatical errors like “goed” or “eated” | These are overgeneralizations, showing rule application, not imitation |
| 🌎 Children worldwide follow similar stages of language development | Supports the idea of universal grammar |
🔶 IV. Stages of Language Development (as per Chomsky’s view):
-
Cooing Stage (6–8 weeks) – Random vowel-like sounds (e.g., “oo”, “aa”)
-
Babbling Stage (4–6 months) – Repetition of syllables (e.g., “ba-ba”, “da-da”)
-
One-word Stage (12 months) – Single meaningful words (e.g., “mama”, “milk”)
-
Two-word Stage (18–24 months) – Simple combinations (e.g., “mummy go”)
-
Multi-word Stage (2+ years) – Use of grammar and sentence structure begins
✅ These stages occur naturally in all children, supporting Chomsky’s view.
🔷 V. Educational Implications for Teachers:
For a pupil teacher, Chomsky’s theory has important classroom applications:
-
Respect the natural language learning pace of each child
-
Provide a language-rich environment
-
Avoid excessive correction – allow students to experiment with language
-
Encourage self-expression through speaking and writing
-
Use open-ended questions to stimulate language use
-
Understand that errors are part of natural development (e.g., “goed” shows rule application)
🔶 VI. Criticisms of Chomsky’s Theory:
-
Ignores the role of environment and social interaction
-
Does not explain how different languages are acquired
-
Lacks sufficient scientific evidence for LAD mechanism
Still, his theory remains one of the most influential frameworks in language development.
🔷 VII. Conclusion:
✅ Chomsky’s theory emphasizes that language is an inborn ability, and every child has the capacity to acquire language naturally.
His ideas transformed our understanding of how children learn to speak and laid the foundation for modern linguistic and cognitive research.
As pupil teachers, it is important to recognize that language development is not forced but facilitated by creating an environment where children can listen, speak, experiment, and learn.
Would you like the Hindi version of this answer or a PDF combining all six questions in one document in notebook-style format?