Which of the following observations supports the innate explanation for language and does NOT support the idea that language is learned?
A) Children imitate words spoken by adults.
B) Children are rewarded for correctly using words.
C) Children around the world use a limited number of patterns in their first sentences.
D) When a child makes a language error, parents make needed corrections or ask a clarifying question to draw the child's attention to the error.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The observation that children around the world use a limited number of patterns in their first sentences supports the idea that language is innate, as it suggests that there is a universal grammar that all humans are born with. This observation cannot be easily explained by the idea that language is entirely learned, as it would require all humans to be exposed to the same linguistic input in order to develop the same patterns in their early language use. The other observations (A, B, and D) are consistent with both innate and learned explanations for language acquisition.

Which of the Following Observations Supports the Innate Explanation for Language