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How do we learn language? Is it an innate ability or do we have to learn language? Can we find an absolute definition for language? These questions ha
have not been able to find any concrete evidence put forward to support any of the findings. Using the language acquisition theories of Chomsky and S
the theories to actual situations to determine the practicality of the results. As a result of making these comparisons, I was able to determine that each
of each and made one compilation, it is possible that we could eventually determine whether language is in fact an innate ability or whether it is develo

Language is an innate ability and is not developed through learning

To say that language is an innate ability and is not developed through learning, we need to look at the theorist arguments on language acquisition. One
another argued that it is acquired by reinforcement and repetition (Skinner, 1957), another argued that it was part of the overall development (Piaget, 19
(Bruner, 1975). Although each theorist produced differing views on language acquisition, the debate still remains as to whether language is an innate a
Theory and Chomksy’s (1959) Innate Theory as the base on this paper.

Let us first look at the definition of language. Language, as defined by the Webster’s online dictionary states that it is a systematic means of communic
language is facilitated and understood by the use of structured elements. These elements are not limited to auditory but also encompass the use of co
Throughout the evolutionary process, countries have developed their own method of documentation using unique letters or numerals. They have also c
communicate necessary information, for example, a single arrow pointing to the left could mean, left turn only or keep left. Similarly the outline of a ma
allowed to use the washroom. The symbol may have a definitive meaning, but the interpretation of the symbol will determine the appropriate action.

Another definition found in the Oxford online dictionary, we see where language is defined as the method of human communication, either spoken or w
way. It is interesting to note the disparity in the two definitions. Whilst the Webster’s definition appears generic to any specie, the Oxford definition seem
dictionary imply that communication is unique to humans? Based on the research done by the theorists we recongnise that humans talk and all other li
each other. It is therefore not appropriate to disregard non-human communication abilities.

Looking at the human interaction and how we are able to understand each other, especially as it relates language development in newborn babies, has
Language Acquisition, the question is asked, “What does a child bring into the world with him by way of inherited knowledge or behaviour, and what is t
experience play an important part in language development, but the underlying question remains debatable. The arguments continue with Osherson, D.
Cognitive Science: Language, they state that some parts of the capacity to learn language must be ‘innate’. At the same time, it is equally clear that lang

The hierarchy of language, however complex, is influenced by the environment and experiences. In babies we recognise that there is no experience, the
environment. The direct links that babies have in their early stages are only with their parents or other close family members who interact with them on
which constitute sentences; however they do have to capacity to make other sounds which can be interpreted as immediate needs or wants. As the ch
appropriateness or the effectiveness of the interaction, the development progress will be determined. This means that how the parent speaks to the ch
the child’s language is developed.

The comparisons between nature versus nurture have been debated for a long time. The story has been written about the Egyptian King Psammethichu
Egyptian or the Phrygians, took two newborn babies and placed them in isolation. They were kept by themselves in a lonely cottage and no-one was all
caregiver of the children heard them say the word ‘becos’ and he eventually reported this to the King. King Psametichus researched the word and found
discovery made the Egyptians yield their position of antiquity and conceded that the Phrygians were more ancient than they were. (Herodotus, De Sélin
had no verbal interaction at all makes you want to believe that babies are born with some innate ability for language development.

Although this story is very old, we can also look at more recent language developments in children who are kept in isolated conditions. Feral children, c
up in total isolation. They may have some human contact but they are denied any kind of social interaction with other people. These children have been
was kept in isolation until she was 13 years old. This is a recent example of language development without guidance. She was not taught to speak and
was found and tested (Curtis, 1977), it was discovered that Genie would never be able to master the rules of grammar. Although she had good semanti
complete sentences.

Going back to the theorist arguments, did ‘Genie’s’ lack of communicative ability give credence to Skinners’ (1957) proposal that language can be acqu
performed were conducted on rats and birds, which were taught to perform various tasks successfully. This theory, known as the Behaviourist Theory,
learn how to communicate. In his 1957 book, Verbal Behaviour, Skinner argued that language was like any other form of behaviour which is acquired th
behaviour was achieved. However looking again at feral children, even with repetition and rewards they still were not able to master the rules of gramm
critical period hypothesis, which is the stage before puberty before the brain becomes specialized in it functions. Language functions are assigned to t
one side to the next and after puberty this function is assigned to the left brain.

Chomsky (1959) published a criticism of this theory. Chomsky believed that a child’s brain contained special language learning abilities at birth which e
Chomsky (1959) published a criticism of this theory. Chomsky believed that a child’s brain contained special language learning abilities at birth which e
argued that a child was naturally predisposed to learn a language. This was possible by hearing speech which is interpreted by the brain using its natur
child is held to be born with the entire set of linguistic universals plus evaluation procedures, built in, and that he somehow uses this set as a grid throu
him’ (1968a, p.76). After reading the review it was interesting to note that Chomsky critised Skinner because he used only animals as the test subjects,
Chomsky’s innate theory was based on no test subject (human or animal). If we are to accept the innateness of language acquisition then we would ha
how the brain interpreted the speech it heard.

Using the feral children Kamala and Amala, the two Indian girls that were said to be raised by wolves can we apply the innate theory? The missionary w
their human form. Unfortunately Amala died shortly after being found. Progress was slow and after three years, Kamala had only mastered about a doz
Based on the innate theory, these children should have had some ability to understand human language, despite the fact that they were socialized by w
Kamala’s vocabulary increased to forty words. Gesell (1940) in his book, Wolf Child and Human Child, stated that Kamala’s situation demonstrated ‘jus
society to shape us’.

Conclusion

After looking at the two theories I am still left to determine which one has more credence than the other. I am almost tempted to conduct my own rese
would be the impending prison time I may have to serve for offences committed against a minor. I am however able to give my opinion on the theories
innate ability; there must be some learning which takes place during the early developmental stages. Humans may be born with a pre-disposition for la
the language, grammar and speech.

We teach our children language by using a variety of methods, such as visual aids and verbal reinforcements. If we only show them the visual aids, with
own description and possibly create their own language. The feral children did not necessarily create their own language, instead they adapted to their
therefore it is possible that her language development was only based on the few words spoken to her during her isolation. The meals she was served
“eat this” or “here”. Applying Skinner’s theory, the reinforcement may have been the harsh words heard regularly but not enough to develop the syntax n
appropriate, in that there was some amount of innate understanding of human communication; Genie responded to human speech although she was n

In the case of Kamala, who was raised by wolves, the innate theory is not possible. She had to be taught everything as she did not understand anything
was through constant repetition and reinforcement that she was able to develop some kind of vocabulary database to eventually communicate. What i
In a normal three year old child, you will find that they are most communicative and speaking constantly at this age.

In conclusion, I believe that the two theories go hand in hand. You cannot have one without the other. We may be born with some amount of innate abil
communicate effectively. The necessary grammar and syntax ability requires practice and this can only be achieved with being taught. It is my opinion
to work together to get the language acquisition theory more credence.

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