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HomeHomework HelplinguisticsChomsky's Critique

Chomsky's Critique

Chomsky's critique refers to his challenge against behaviorist theories of language acquisition, arguing that humans possess an innate capacity for language that cannot be solely explained by environmental factors. He posits the existence of a universal grammar underlying all languages, suggesting that the ability to learn language is hardwired in the human brain.

intermediate
3 hours
Linguistics
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Overview

Chomsky's Critique fundamentally challenges the behaviorist perspective in psychology, particularly regarding language acquisition. He argues that language is not merely a product of environmental stimuli and reinforcement but is instead governed by innate cognitive structures. This perspective led ...

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Key Terms

Generative Grammar
A theory that suggests language is generated by a set of rules.

Example: The sentence 'The cat sat on the mat' can be generated by specific grammatical rules.

Universal Grammar
The theory that all human languages share a common underlying structure.

Example: Despite differences, all languages have nouns and verbs.

Behaviorism
A psychological approach that emphasizes observable behaviors over internal mental states.

Example: Pavlov's dogs were conditioned to salivate at the sound of a bell.

Cognitive Science
An interdisciplinary field that studies the mind and its processes.

Example: Cognitive science combines psychology, linguistics, and neuroscience.

Language Acquisition
The process by which humans learn to communicate using language.

Example: Children learn to speak by imitating adults and receiving feedback.

Innate
A characteristic or ability that is present from birth.

Example: Chomsky argued that the ability to learn language is innate.

Related Topics

Cognitive Psychology
The study of mental processes such as perception, memory, and reasoning.
intermediate
Linguistic Theory
The study of the nature and structure of language.
intermediate
Language Development
The process by which children acquire language skills.
intermediate
Philosophy of Language
The study of the nature of language, its relations to reality, and its role in communication.
advanced

Key Concepts

Generative GrammarUniversal GrammarBehaviorismCognitive Revolution