Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Nativist theories of development propose that certain aspects of human behavior, including language acquisition, are innate or genetically determined. This suggests that humans are biologically predisposed to develop language skills.
The Language Acquisition Device is a hypothetical brain structure proposed by Noam Chomsky, which is believed to be responsible for our innate ability to acquire language.
Universal Grammar: Universal Grammar refers to the underlying grammatical principles and structures shared by all languages around the world. According to nativist theories, this universal grammar forms the basis for language acquisition.
The critical period is a specific time frame during which it is believed that optimal language acquisition occurs. Nativist theories propose that there is a biologically determined window in early childhood when children are most receptive to learning language.