What is the nature vs nurture debate in child language acquisition?

The nature debate is that children learn naturally and that there is something cognitive which allows them to learn language. For example, the children of deaf parents who can talk without hearing others. This would suggest that all humans are born with the ability to learn to speak rather than from being taught.The nurture argument suggests that parents/guardians and those around a child teach them language rather than it being a natural occurrence. For example, a child names Gini who was kept in isolation and consequently never acquired language fully. This argument suggests that a parents involvement in a child's speech development can influence how they learn to communicate.

Related English Language A Level answers

All answers ▸

How to structure an exam answer


How do I start writing an essay?


Compare and contrast how the speaker of Text A and the speakers of Text B express their ideas about Parisian art galleries and works of art


Identify the word class and archaic spelling patterns of the following words using appropriate terminology: A) 'Passe' B) 'Seruice' [4 marks]


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo
Cookie Preferences