Introduction to

Nativism/Innatism
Nativism, also known as innatism, is a theory in psychology and linguistics that
suggests that certain skills or abilities are innate or hard-wired into the brain at
birth. In the context of linguistic theory, nativism posits that the human brain is
pre-programmed with the ability to acquire language. This theory stands in
contrast to empiricist theories, which argue that language acquisition is primarily
shaped by environmental influences and learning experiences.

by ELIJAH JAMES ISAR GARGAR, MAEd

Key proponent of Nativism/Innatism
Noam Chomsky

Noam Chomsky, a renowned linguist and cognitive scientist, is one of the key proponents of nativism. His
influential work in the mid-20th century revolutionized the field of linguistics and psychology, shaping the modern
understanding of language acquisition and cognitive development.
Basic principles of Nativism/Innatism
1 Innate Language
Capacity
Nativism asserts that the
human brain contains
inherent linguistic
structures that facilitate the
acquisition of language.
These structures are
posited to be universal
across all languages.
2 Universal Grammar
The concept of universal
grammar suggests that
there are fundamental
principles and rules that
underpin all human
languages, and these
principles are innate to the
human mind.
3 Critical Period
Hypothesis
Nativist theories propose
that there is a critical
period in early childhood
during which the brain is
especially receptive to
language acquisition, and
that this ability diminishes
with age.
Language acquisition according to
Nativism/Innatism
1 Infant Language Acquisition Device
Nativist theories emphasize that infants have an innate capacity to perceive and internalize
linguistic structures from their environment, enabling the rapid acquisition of language skills at a
young age.

2 Development of Universal Grammatical Structures

According to nativism, children possess an inherent ability to grasp the universal grammatical
rules and structures that underlie all languages, allowing for the comprehension and production of
complex linguistic forms.

3 Critical Period for Language Learning

Nativism suggests that there is a finite period in childhood when the brain is predisposed to
acquiring a language with native-like proficiency, and that this capacity declines with age.
Criticisms of Nativism/Innatism
Empirical Limitations Socio-Cultural Individual Differences
Variability
One common critique of Opponents argue that the Another criticism highlights

nativism is the challenge of diversity of language the wide spectrum of

providing concrete empirical structures and acquisition individual differences in

evidence for the existence of experiences across different language acquisition, which

specific innate linguistic cultures cannot be solely suggests that environmental

structures in the human brain. explained by innate linguistic influences play a significant

mechanisms. role in shaping linguistic

development.