WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY PHILIPPINES

College of Education, Graduate Studies

Casantusan, Angelica Mae A.

Master of Education in Language Education

Chomsky’s theory of language acquisition, often referred to

as the “innate or universal grammar” theory, proposes that humans
are born with an innate capacity for language. His perspective
infers that human mind is pre-equipped with a set of linguistics
constraints. The child’s natural predisposition to learn language
is triggered by child’s brain and its ability to interpret what
s/he hears. This natural faculty has become known as the LAD or
the Language Acquisition Device.

We have also discussed this certain topic in our class and in

my personal account, I can say that I subscribe to this theory of
Chomsky. When we were born, there is this way we communicate with
our environment regarding on what we feel. For instance, when we
are hungry, we don’t utter a word but instead we cry to express
what we feel, same as through when we feel irritated or unsafe. In
that instance, we have already expressed the urge of communicating
towards our environment and we crave for the proper word to express
that for them to recognize what we are trying to say. There is
also some evidence that support this innateness theory. Slobin
(1994) pointed out that human anatomy is peculiarly adapted to the
production of speech. Unlike our nearest relatives, the great apes,
we have evolved a vocal tract which allows the precise articulation
of wide repertoire of vocal sounds.

On the other hand, I consider also the language acquisition

theory of B.F. Skinner in expanding the drive that we have to
 WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY PHILIPPINES
College of Education, Graduate Studies

communicate using words. It is true that having the command of

language in early stage is an edge. I always envy my classmates
during those recitations. The way they play with words as if their
tongue and brain are so connected that whatever thoughts they have,
they can utter it effectively. How I wished that I am too, were
blessed to have those innate skills. But in my case, it was during
college when I already learned to use my L2. Given the situation
wherein I was confined to learned it, I can say that
reinforcements, whether it is positive or negative, serves as an
avenue to improve our linguistic skills.

Noam Chomsky’s theory of language acquisition has left an

indelible mark on linguistic fields. By proposing his theory of
innateness, he challenged established paradigms and opened up new
avenues for research. While his theory has not been without
controversy, it remains a foundational framework for understanding
how humans acquire and process language. Chomsky’s work reminds us
the importance of considering both nature and nurture in our quest
to unravel the mysteries of language acquisition.
 WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY PHILIPPINES
College of Education, Graduate Studies

References:

https://www.montsaye.northants.sch.uk/assets/Uploads/English-
Language-Summer-Work-2.pdf

https://www.structural-learning.com/post/chomskys-theory#

https://www.healthline.com/health/childrens-health/chomsky-
theory