1. Unit 11: Theorists of Language development
NOAM CHOMSKY
Unit 11: Theorists of Language development

2. Chomsky The ability to learn language is instinctive
His theory explains why all babies language development follows a pattern
Humans have a Language Acquisition Device (LAD) – a structure within the brain that allows babies to absorb and understand the rules of language they are being exposed to. The brain is able to analyse the language and work out the system that the language uses

3. Continuation…
This explains why children can quickly understand and then use their language creatively and correctly without ever being formally taught or ‘knowing’ the rules

4. Mark Scheme notes… Biological Approach – Chomsky:
Children are born ready to learn whatever languages they hear around them – through the LAD. There is a specific period during childhood when language development is triggered.
Children learn to talk because they are genetically equipped to do so