What concept refers to the inborn capacity for children to learn the language they are exposed to?

The concept that refers to the inborn capacity for children to learn the language they are exposed to is known as the Language Acquisition Device. This term was popularized by linguist Noam Chomsky, who argued that humans possess an innate ability to acquire language. The Language Acquisition Device is thought to be a hypothetical module in the brain that enables young children to rapidly learn and understand the complexities of language.

Chomsky's theory posits that all human languages share a common underlying structure, which he referred to as "universal grammar." This inherent ability allows children to pick up language patterns and rules from their environment, making language acquisition a natural process rather than one that requires explicit instruction. As children hear language used around them, they actively engage with it, which leads to their development of linguistic skills.

This concept emphasizes the role of an intrinsic cognitive mechanism rather than solely focusing on external factors, such as social interaction or environmental stimulation, in the language learning process. Thus, it positions the ability to learn language as a fundamental aspect of human cognition that emerges during early childhood, reflecting the unique nature of human linguistic capacity.