The Partially Examined Life Philosophy Podcast Ep. 323: Acquiring Language: Tomasello vs. Chomsky (Part One)
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Aug 21, 2023 Guest Christopher Heath, language acquisition expert, discusses Michael Tomasello's usage-based theory of language acquisition and the contrasting views of Noam Chomsky. The speakers explore the role of joint attention, semantics, and communicative intent in language development. They also touch on the joint understanding between humans and dogs and the distinction between concepts and symbols.
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Language Acquisition Debate
- Language acquisition is a complex process debated by linguists and philosophers.
- Chomsky's theory of Universal Grammar posits innate language structures, while Tomasello emphasizes the role of social interaction and cultural learning.
Chomsky's Critique of Skinner
- Skinner's behaviorist approach views language as learned through conditioning, while Chomsky argues for innate cognitive structures.
- Chomsky's poverty of the stimulus argument highlights the inadequacy of environmental input alone to explain language complexity.
Parental Influence on Language
- Some parents overemphasize talking to pre-linguistic children, believing it crucial for development.
- Pinker, following Chomsky, argues this is unnecessary; children acquire language naturally through exposure.