Nature vs. nurture

Definition

Nature vs. nurture is a debate concerning the relative influence of genetics (nature) and environment (nurture) on human development, including language acquisition. This discussion explores how innate biological factors and life experiences interact to shape an individual's abilities, behaviors, and traits, particularly in how language is learned and used.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The nature vs. nurture debate significantly impacts theories of language acquisition by framing discussions around whether language skills are primarily inherited or learned through interaction.
2. Nativists argue that humans are biologically predisposed to acquire language, suggesting that certain grammatical structures are hardwired into our brains.
3. Conversely, interactionists emphasize the importance of social interaction and environmental exposure in language learning, suggesting that both nature and nurture play essential roles.
4. Studies on feral children provide critical insights into the role of nurture in language development, showing that without proper exposure to language during critical periods, individuals may struggle to acquire linguistic skills.
5. Research involving twins has been instrumental in understanding the balance between genetic predispositions and environmental factors in language acquisition.

Review Questions

• How do the perspectives of nativists and interactionists differ in their understanding of language acquisition?
  • Nativists believe that language acquisition is largely driven by innate biological mechanisms, arguing that humans have a natural ability to learn language due to genetic predispositions. In contrast, interactionists emphasize the role of environmental factors, suggesting that social interactions and exposure to language are crucial for learning. This difference highlights the ongoing nature vs. nurture debate in understanding how individuals develop linguistic skills.
• Discuss how research on twins contributes to the nature vs. nurture debate in language acquisition.
  • Research on twins provides valuable insights into the influence of genetics versus environment on language acquisition by comparing identical twins, who share 100% of their genes, with fraternal twins, who share about 50%. Such studies can help determine the extent to which genetic factors contribute to language skills compared to shared environmental influences. By observing similarities and differences in language development among twins raised together versus apart, researchers can better understand the interplay between nature and nurture.
• Evaluate the implications of the critical period hypothesis for the nature vs. nurture debate regarding language acquisition.
  • The critical period hypothesis suggests that there is a specific timeframe during which language acquisition occurs most effectively, primarily supporting the nature argument by indicating an innate biological window for learning languages. However, it also implies that nurturing environments are crucial during this period; without exposure to language at a young age, individuals may struggle to develop linguistic abilities later in life. This interplay shows that while biology sets parameters for language learning, environmental factors during these critical times significantly influence outcomes, thus enriching the nature vs. nurture discussion.

Related terms

Genetics: The study of heredity and the variation of inherited characteristics, emphasizing how biological factors contribute to behavior and traits.

Environmental Influences: The external factors that affect an individual's development and behavior, including family, culture, education, and social interactions.

Critical Period Hypothesis:

The theory suggesting there is a specific time frame in which language acquisition must occur for optimal development, often associated with the nature aspect of the debate.