60. What did Chomsky argue was responsible for determining language development?
Answer: C
Innate biological processes are responsible for determining language development.
Chomsky argued that language development is primarily influenced by innate biological processes rather than external factors or learned behaviors. This perspective highlights the inherent capacity of humans to acquire language.
A) Rewards and punishments for using certain words and phrases
This option suggests that language development is shaped by external reinforcement mechanisms, which Chomsky contested. He believed that while behaviorist theories emphasize rewards and punishments, they do not adequately explain the complexity and universality of language acquisition.
B) Paired association of words and phrases with pleasant stimuli
This choice implies that language learning occurs through associations formed between words and positive experiences. Chomsky's theory, however, posits that such associations are insufficient to account for the rapid and systematic way children learn language, as it involves more than mere associative learning.
C) Innate biological processes
Chomsky asserted that humans are born with an inherent ability for language acquisition, which he termed the "language faculty." This perspective posits that the capacity to learn language is hardwired into the brain, allowing children to develop linguistic skills naturally and efficiently.
D) Imitating parents and other adults
While imitation plays a role in language learning, Chomsky argued that it is not the sole mechanism. His theory emphasizes that children are not merely mimicking what they hear; instead, they are actively constructing grammar based on innate linguistic principles.
Conclusion
Chomsky's argument for innate biological processes as the key determinant of language development underscores the idea that humans possess a unique predisposition for language learning. Other options, while relevant to aspects of language acquisition, do not adequately capture the foundational role of biological processes as proposed by Chomsky, making option C the definitive correct answer.