Chomsky argued that language is inborn and there are infinite sentences.

Chomsky argued that language is inborn and there are infinite sentences.

• A. Language is learned wholly by imitation
• B. Humans have an inborn native ability to develop language
• C. There are a finite number of sentences
• D. Language develops through reinforcement alone

Answer: (B)

The idea being tested is that language ability is innate and productive. Chomsky argued that humans are born with an internal capacity to develop language, not just imitate or rely on reinforcement. This view explains why children can produce and understand an endless array of sentences they've never heard before—the rules of language (universal grammar) and an internal learning mechanism (often talked about as a language acquisition device) generate new structures from finite elements. That’s why language isn’t simply learned by copying words or by reinforcement, and why there isn’t a finite set of possible sentences. So the statement that best captures his view is that humans have an inborn native ability to develop language.

The idea being tested is that language ability is innate and productive. Chomsky argued that humans are born with an internal capacity to develop language, not just imitate or rely on reinforcement. This view explains why children can produce and understand an endless array of sentences they've never heard before—the rules of language (universal grammar) and an internal learning mechanism (often talked about as a language acquisition device) generate new structures from finite elements. That’s why language isn’t simply learned by copying words or by reinforcement, and why there isn’t a finite set of possible sentences. So the statement that best captures his view is that humans have an inborn native ability to develop language.