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New Books in Language
Harry van der Hulst, "A Mind for Language: An Introduction to the Innateness Debate" (Cambridge UP, 2023)
Jan 20, 2024
Linguistic theory expert Harry van der Hulst discusses the innateness debate in language acquisition, exploring the complexity of language structure and the limitations of input. The podcast delves into the concept of mental grammar, language processing in the mind, innate language abilities, critical period effects, and the differences between human language and animal communication systems. It also touches on the evolution of human language and different perspectives linking it to collaboration and environmental challenges.
57:17
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Quick takeaways
- The podcast explores the poverty of stimulus argument, suggesting children have an innate mental grammar for language acquisition.
- Critical period effects in language acquisition highlight the importance of age and early language exposure for optimal proficiency.
Deep dives
The mystery of language acquisition and the inateness debate
The podcast episode explores the inateness debate in language acquisition. Linguists have long grappled with the mystery of how children learn language so quickly, with many believing that children have an innate capacity for language. This capacity, often referred to as universal grammar or UG, enables children to process language input and construct their own grammar rules. The inateness debate centers around whether this capacity is specific to language or a result of general learning capabilities. The podcast delves into the arguments supporting the innateness hypothesis, while also considering alternative viewpoints that emphasize general learning abilities and environmental influences. Overall, the episode aims to educate listeners and foster participation in the ongoing debate surrounding the nature of language acquisition.
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Discover
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