Which theory attributes language ability to innate structure, associated with Chomsky and creativity?

Which theory attributes language ability to innate structure, associated with Chomsky and creativity?

• A. Innatist theory of LA
• B. Cognitive-developmentalist theory of LA
• C. The Communicative Approach
• D. Suggestopaedia

Answer: (A)

Language ability as an innate structure is being tested here. Chomsky argued that humans are born with a built-in capacity for language—an internal set of rules and a mechanism that underpins language learning. This idea is often framed as Universal Grammar, with an innate Language Acquisition Device that guides how we form and interpret sentences. The key point is that this innate framework explains creativity in language: children can produce and understand novel sentences they’ve never heard before, showing rule-governed competence beyond mere imitation. Other theories don’t center on a language-specific innate module. The cognitive-developmentalist view emphasizes general cognitive growth shaping language rather than a specialized, preprogrammed structure. The Communicative Approach focuses on learning through social interaction and functional use of language, not an inherent grammatical blueprint. Suggestopaedia is a teaching method aimed at optimizing learning through suggestions and atmosphere, not about innate language capacity.

Language ability as an innate structure is being tested here. Chomsky argued that humans are born with a built-in capacity for language—an internal set of rules and a mechanism that underpins language learning. This idea is often framed as Universal Grammar, with an innate Language Acquisition Device that guides how we form and interpret sentences. The key point is that this innate framework explains creativity in language: children can produce and understand novel sentences they’ve never heard before, showing rule-governed competence beyond mere imitation.

Other theories don’t center on a language-specific innate module. The cognitive-developmentalist view emphasizes general cognitive growth shaping language rather than a specialized, preprogrammed structure. The Communicative Approach focuses on learning through social interaction and functional use of language, not an inherent grammatical blueprint. Suggestopaedia is a teaching method aimed at optimizing learning through suggestions and atmosphere, not about innate language capacity.