Here's a breakdown of the concept:
* Innate: Chomsky argued that the LAD is not something learned, but rather a biological predisposition present in all humans.
* Universal Grammar: The LAD is assumed to contain a set of universal principles common to all languages. This explains why children can learn any language they are exposed to, regardless of its complexity.
* Poverty of the Stimulus: Children are exposed to a limited and imperfect amount of language data. This "poverty of the stimulus" suggests they can't simply learn language through imitation and reinforcement alone. The LAD helps them fill in the gaps and make sense of the language they hear.
Key features of the LAD:
* Universal Grammar: A set of innate rules and principles that govern the structure of all human languages.
* Parameter Setting: The LAD allows children to "set" parameters, such as word order, based on the specific language they are exposed to.
* Hypothetical: The LAD is a theoretical construct, not a physical organ in the brain. Its existence has been debated among linguists and psychologists.
While the LAD is a controversial concept, it has had a significant impact on the field of linguistics:
* Focus on language acquisition: It stimulated research into how children learn language, emphasizing the role of innate factors.
* Universal grammar: It led to the exploration of universal principles underlying all human languages.
It's important to note that while the LAD concept has been influential, it has also been challenged by alternative theories that emphasize the role of social interaction and learning from experience in language acquisition.