Who is associated with the concept of the Language Acquisition Device?

The concept of the Language Acquisition Device (LAD) is attributed to Noam Chomsky, a linguist and cognitive scientist who proposed that humans are inherently equipped with an innate ability to acquire language. Chomsky introduced the idea that children possess a mental capacity that allows them to learn language naturally and effortlessly, suggesting that this is a fundamental characteristic of the human brain. He argued that the underlying structure of language is similar across cultures, which supports the notion that language acquisition is a universal characteristic due to this innate device.

Chomsky's theories contrast with the views of behaviorists, like Skinner, who emphasized learning through reinforcement and conditioning. While psychology figures such as Piaget and Vygotsky focused on cognitive development and social interaction as key components in learning, Chomsky's emphasis on the biological basis for language acquisition distinctly highlights the concept of the Language Acquisition Device as a specific mechanism that enables children to learn language rapidly and effectively. This innate approach radically shifted the field of linguistics and psychology, underscoring the idea that language is not just learned through imitation but is an intrinsic human capability.