In the 1960s and 1970s,many attempts were made to teach chimps sign language.Which statement would Chomsky most likely agree with concerning nonhuman acquisition of language?
A) Nonhumans cannot have language because only humans have a built-in universal grammar.
B) Nonhumans can develop language if exposed to motherese.
C) Nonhumans can learn language through imitation.
D) Nonhumans cannot develop language once they are past the critical period.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Chomsky's theory of universal grammar suggests that language is unique to humans because only they possess an innate ability to acquire and use language. Therefore, he would likely agree with statement A that nonhumans cannot have language because they lack universal grammar.

In the 1960s and 1970s,many Attempts Were Made to Teach