The Biological Basis of Language Development Essay

The Biological Basis of Language Development The principles and rules of grammar are the means by which the forms of language are made to correspond with the universal froms of thought....The structures of every sentence is a lesson in logic. BIOLOGICAL BASIS OF LANGUAGE [H]uman knowledge is organized de facto by linguistic competence through language performance, and our exploration of reality is always mediated by language (Danchin 29). Most higher vertebrates possess ‘intuitive knowledge’ which occurs as the result of slow evolution of species. However, the ability to create knowledge through language is unique to humans. According to Benjamin Whorf, language†¦. is not merely a reproducing instrument from voicing†¦show more content†¦The scholars considering spoken language acquisition have divided over internal and external causation dichotomy. Two prototypical models of language acquisition are selectivist and constructivist models, respectively. The selectivist model, which depends on internal causation argument, can be associated with Noam Chomsky. The selectivist model assumes that language template is pre-organized in the neuronal structure of the brain, so that the fact of being an integral part of a given en vironment selects the borders of each individual neuronal structure, without affecting its fine organization, which pre-exists (Danchin 30). The constructivist model, which assumes external causation of language acquisition, follows lines drawn by behaviorists such as Piaget and Skinner. This model assumes that language is built up constantly from a continuous interaction with a well-structured environment (Danchin 30). NOAM CHOMSKYS VIEW ON LANGUAGE Noam Chomsky basic argument is that there exists an innate language acquisition device, a neural program that prepares them to learn language (Kandel 638). Chomsky assumes the existence of a genetically determined system of rules, which he refers to as universal grammar, underlying all tongues. According to Chomsky, a language template is set up by the special language organ of the brain. Chomsky doesShow MoreRelatedLanguage And Development Of Language, Experience, Maturation And Readiness With The Aid Of A Child1143 Words   |  5 PagesLanguage plays a significant role in the process of transmitting knowledge and culture among mankind. Everyone learns a language at the early stages of life. From birth to seven years, a tremendous development of language skills is seen in a child. The essay states the various developmental phases of phonetics, morphology, semantics and syntax in a child. The behaviourist and cognitive theories states that nature and nurture plays a vital role in this process. 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