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✳️ Q.6. Describe the Chomsky Theory of Language Development.
(Marks: 10)
🔷 I. Introduction
Noam Chomsky, a renowned linguist and cognitive scientist, proposed the Innatist Theory of language development, also known as the Nativist Theory.
His theory revolutionized language learning by suggesting that the ability to learn language is innate and biologically determined, not just learned through environment or imitation.
✅ According to Chomsky, every child is born with a Language Acquisition Device (LAD), which enables them to understand and produce language naturally.
🔶 II. Key Concepts of Chomsky’s Theory
🟢 1. Language Acquisition Device (LAD)
A hypothetical mental structure that allows children to recognize and learn the rules of any language they are exposed to.
✅ LAD contains a universal grammar, which is common to all languages.
📌 Example: A child raised in India learns Hindi, while another in France learns French—both without formal instruction.
🔵 2. Universal Grammar (UG)
Chomsky believed that all human languages share a common set of grammatical rules.
Children don’t need to learn every rule from scratch; they just adjust their LAD to the specific language environment.
✅ UG makes language learning fast, efficient, and natural.
🟡 3. Innate Ability
Chomsky emphasized that language learning is not entirely dependent on environment or imitation.
Children can form new sentences they’ve never heard before, which shows creative language use.
📌 Example: A child may say, “I goed to the market,” applying their own grammar rules—even if incorrect—showing internal rule formation.
🟣 4. Critical Period Hypothesis (Supported by Chomsky)
There is a certain age (early childhood) during which the brain is most capable of learning language naturally.
After this period, language learning becomes more difficult and less perfect.
🔶 III. Features of Chomsky’s Theory
| Feature | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Biological Basis | Language ability is inborn |
| Speed of Learning | Children learn language very quickly without formal teaching |
| Rule Generation | Children can create new sentences and apply grammar creatively |
| Universality | All children, regardless of culture, follow a similar pattern of language learning |
| Independent of IQ | Language ability is not directly related to general intelligence |
🔷 IV. Educational Implications
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Focus on natural language exposure, not only on drills and memorization
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Encourage free expression, storytelling, and conversation
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Create a language-rich environment with opportunities to listen and speak
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Avoid over-correction; allow students to construct their own sentences
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Recognize that errors are part of the learning process, not failure
🔶 V. Criticism of Chomsky’s Theory
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Overlooks the role of social interaction and environment
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LAD is a theoretical construct, not physically proven
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Does not fully explain language learning in adults or second language acquisition
🔷 VI. Conclusion
✅ Chomsky’s theory highlights that language learning is a natural and automatic process, guided by an inborn capacity.
His ideas have shaped modern language teaching, shifting focus from memorization to understanding how children construct language.
It reminds educators to create stimulating, meaningful, and supportive environments where language can develop naturally.
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