Noam Chomsky on Language Aquisition

How is it that we learn to speak and think in language so easily? Philosophers have argued about whether or not we have innate ideas. Whether we are born knowing things, as Plato believed, or rather, as John Locke and other empiricists argued, the mind is a blank slate on which experience writes. Noam Chomsky, gave a twist to this debate in the 1960s.

Narrated by Gillan Anderson. Scripted by Nigel Warburton.

From the BBC Radio 4 series about life's big questions - A History of Ideas.

This project is from the BBC in partnership with The Open University, the animations were created by Cognitive.

[mounireaddevil]

this is the simplest overview of chomesky's hypothesis I came across during my 7 years studies of a SLA and linguistics... thanks for putting it this way (y)

[veraBeStnews]

So clear and well-stuctured and with this amazing additional illustration. Thanks for the effort!

[kevanbalmer]

Wow this was fun and it made a clear distinction between Plato, Locke and Chomsky.

[Aable]

Wonderful video!!! We are what our prepositions make us! This seemingly most insignificant part of speech is perhaps the common binding thread that runs through different languages as it helps to order how we experience the world.

[frankymood]

I died when I saw the title for narrator

[someone-eszo]

amazing explanation in such a short video.

[bustamantebarakatsofiamaca]

I haven't watched yet but I'm 100% sure I'll love it

[MissDellybelly]

love it, super clear. Her voice is awesome

[iberius]

I love this woman's voice, and obviously the topic at hand.

[hirotakakawano]

The concept of universal grammar
Noam Chomsky put forward not only leads to an innovative understanding of linguistics, ideas, philosophy, history and science , but also to an understanding of human nature, value of existence, and the distinction between humans and other living things.

[eprytrx]

I'm looking into language acquisition. Can I use this clip after I insert the subtitle? It will only be used for presentation material and I will send you a translation. Please reply if possible.

[Carltoncurtis]

I really like the idea of LAD. It makes the most sense and It really sets us apart as a species.

[profsacin]

I think that this makes so much sense it is almost obvious. I can't believe it was only discovered / established recently. Anyway, I am a big fan of Chomsky. Great short  video.

[Veteran]

Language Acquisition Device and String Theory. Two unproven theories that have fallen out of favor not because they were unproven, but simply because they could not be proved.

[PhatLvis]

Not writing the slate before birth, but a kind of prewritten software - just as all other parts of the body have a prewritten blueprint which guides and limits how they'll take shape from the earliest stages of development.

[duncanfyfe]

What, if any, connection is there to the development of ego?

[moesypittounikos]

My aunt emigrated to Cyprus with two teenage daughters and the 2 year old girl. After about 1 year the little 3 year old girl was speaking fluent grammatically correct Greek, just how Chomsky described. The girl was translating for her elder sisters who only learnt as adults do, very difficult. What Chomsky was saying is so true.

Language seems to be a savant skill we all have. This language power switches off at around the age of 5. Empiricists who try to argue against Chomsky are going against the evidence.

[tiny_toilet]

I could pick out that voice anywhere, which is strange because I watched 15 seasons of the X-files, where she had an American accent.

[spicerc]

Is this not just the a priori functioning that Kant described?

[easilydistracted]

There is an error in the title - Acquisition!