Who is credited with the concept of the Language Acquisition Device (LAD)?

The concept of the Language Acquisition Device (LAD) is credited to Noam Chomsky, a renowned linguist who proposed that humans are born with an innate capacity for language. This idea suggests that children have an inherent ability to acquire language, suggesting that the structure of language is pre-wired into the brain. Chomsky's theory revolutionized the understanding of how language development occurs in children, emphasizing the biological basis for language learning rather than relying solely on environmental factors or imitation.

This innate ability enables children to develop complex grammatical structures without explicit training or instruction. Chomsky's views contrast significantly with the behaviorist approach of language acquisition, which focuses on reinforcement and imitation, as advocated by other theorists. His work has had a profound impact on linguistics, psychology, and education, contributing to the understanding of cognitive development and the role of innate mechanisms in learning.