Why does Noam Chomsky think that language cannot be
learned without the help of an
innate "language acquisition device"?
In the section on word learning we discussed the
phenomena of "overextension" and
"underextension" of new words. Speculate on the
possible ways in which children could
learn to correct these early errors in language
acquisition.
What does sign language tell us about human
language acquisition?
What do you think is the relationship between
language and thought? Do you think a
child first learns to think, and then to speak, or
that speech is a necessary prerequisite for
thought?
Parents in American culture tend to modulate their
voice and their choice of words when
they are speaking to infants. What effect do you
think this might have on language
acquisition?
