Question
Skinner said that language is learned through reinforcement, while Chomsky said that children are born with a language acquisition device. Who is correct?
they are both right--language is the result of nature and nurture.
Skinner is correct--language is learned.
Chomsky is correct-language is innate.
they are both right--language is the result of nature and nurture.
Skinner is correct--language is learned.
Chomsky is correct-language is innate.
Answers
GPT-4o mini
The debate between B.F. Skinner and Noam Chomsky on language acquisition is a classic one in the fields of psychology and linguistics, and it highlights the dichotomy between behaviorist and nativist perspectives.
- **Skinner** emphasized that language is learned through reinforcement and imitation, suggesting that children acquire language through environmental stimuli and responses, much like other behaviors.
- **Chomsky**, on the other hand, proposed that children are born with an inherent ability to acquire language, which he termed the "language acquisition device" (LAD). He argued that the ability to learn language is a universal trait of humans, suggesting that the underlying structure of language is hardwired into the brain.
Many contemporary linguists and psychologists would argue that both perspectives have validity and that the truth lies in a combination of both nature and nurture—this is known as the interactionist perspective.
Therefore, the most accurate answer would be: **they are both right—language is the result of nature and nurture.** This viewpoint acknowledges the role of innate biological mechanisms in language development while also recognizing the importance of environmental factors and social interactions.
- **Skinner** emphasized that language is learned through reinforcement and imitation, suggesting that children acquire language through environmental stimuli and responses, much like other behaviors.
- **Chomsky**, on the other hand, proposed that children are born with an inherent ability to acquire language, which he termed the "language acquisition device" (LAD). He argued that the ability to learn language is a universal trait of humans, suggesting that the underlying structure of language is hardwired into the brain.
Many contemporary linguists and psychologists would argue that both perspectives have validity and that the truth lies in a combination of both nature and nurture—this is known as the interactionist perspective.
Therefore, the most accurate answer would be: **they are both right—language is the result of nature and nurture.** This viewpoint acknowledges the role of innate biological mechanisms in language development while also recognizing the importance of environmental factors and social interactions.