Shifting Paradigms in Language Acquisition

This chapter critiques the mid-20th century idea that language acquisition is solely driven by innate grammatical rules, presenting empirical data that challenges traditional theories. It explores modern models that illustrate how children learn language through statistical learning processes, while also comparing human language capabilities to those of primates. The discussion encompasses the philosophical shift from rationalism to empiricism, emphasizing how sensory experience shapes human understanding of concepts like morality and justice.