The principles and parameters theory suggests that children have the ability to learn any language because
A) they are born with innate expectations that constrain their learning of grammar.
B) of the adaptive nature of human cognition.
C) the linguistic input from ordinary interactions with fluent speakers provides enough data to form syntactic heuristics.
D) the bottom-up nature of language acquisition allows children to learn useful generalizations and categorize words as they develop.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The principles and parameters theory posits that children are born with innate expectations that constrain their learning of grammar. These innate expectations or principles enable children to learn the grammar of any language they are exposed to. The theory suggests that all languages share a set of universal principles, but there are specific parameters that vary across languages. Children are able to set these parameters based on the linguistic input they receive, resulting in the acquisition of the grammar of the language they are exposed to.

The Principles and Parameters Theory Suggests That Children Have the Ability