Module 11: Is Language Learning Innate?

The argument regarding complicated cognitive process being describes as the result of "nature" or of "nurture" has been ongoing for decades. This debate has extended into linguistics. Some linguists argue that language and language development is the result of innate and highly specialized mechanisms. Others argue that language is no different from any other general cognitive process and is the result of statistical inference.

Those who choose to see language as the result of general processes often use statistical models to make their claim. They attempt to show that language is purely a mathematical operation; humans learn how and what to say on the basis of probability and generalizations. They have been likened to other neural network models which strengthen the connection between a stimulus and a response based on the frequency of occurrence. These mathematical models have been criticized because they generally only use simple sentences in the English language as validation of their viewpoint. When these models expand to sentences with more complex syntactical structures, they do not as accurately depict human language. Therefore some argue the view that language is acquired on the basis of probability is not truly able to capture the intricacies of human language. 

The other approach stems from biology as opposed to mathematics. As opposed to viewing language as a general and learned process, language is viewed as an innate and highly specialized process. This viewpoint was first proposed by Noam Chomsky and since has been endorsed by many other linguists. Proponents of this viewpoint argue that language is unique to humans and at birth we have all of the mechanisms necessary to become fluent in a language. This model has been criticized as being too simplistic and underestimating the effect of environmental cues on language acquisition. 

It is likely that both models have relevance to the account of language learning. It is wise not to discredit either as being unrealistic. As more research is conducted, a fuller picture of the language acquisition process can be painted.