Arguments for Language as an Instinct:
* Universal Grammar: Noam Chomsky proposed the concept of Universal Grammar, suggesting that all humans are born with an innate capacity for language, including a set of universal grammatical rules. This explains why children learn language so quickly and effortlessly, even without explicit instruction.
* Critical Period Hypothesis: There is evidence that children have a critical period for language acquisition, meaning that they are most easily able to learn language before a certain age. After this period, it becomes increasingly difficult. This suggests that there may be a biological basis for language development.
* Similarities across languages: Despite the vast diversity of languages, there are many similarities in grammar and structure, suggesting a common underlying system.
Arguments for Language as a Learned Behavior:
* Environmental Influence: Children learn language through exposure to their environment. They learn specific words, phrases, and grammatical structures from the people around them.
* Variations in Language: The wide range of languages spoken across the world shows that language is not simply a predetermined instinct. Language is shaped by culture, history, and environment.
* Second language acquisition: While it is easier to learn a second language at a younger age, it is still possible to learn languages later in life. This suggests that language learning is not entirely dependent on a critical period.
Conclusion:
It is likely that language development is a complex interaction between innate abilities and environmental learning. While there may be a biological predisposition for language, the specific language a person learns is shaped by their experiences and environment.
Therefore, language is not solely an instinct or a learned behavior, but rather a combination of both.