Answer to Question #107688 in English for Paula Bredenkamp

Question

From your observation of how bilingual and multilingual people learn their languages, or your experiences if you are bilingual or multilingual, do you think Pinker's (1994) definition about the natural drive to learn a language is applicable? Give two reasons for your answer.

Answer 1

By observing how bilingual and multilingual people learn their languages I believe that Pinker's (1994) definition about the natural drive to learn a language is not applicable. Pinker (1994) argues that human beings are born with an innate capacity for language. Even though people can brainstorm words by just listening and observing, one must be trained over a period of time how to connect words in a proper grammatical order. Second, I have personally tried to learn some languages without success despite being mentally fit. Therefore, Pinker's theory is mistaken and cannot be depended upon to make arguments.