The concept of the language acquisition device illustrates how what aspect influenced human language acquisition?

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Study for Lifespan and Development Test 2. Explore multiple choice questions and detailed explanations. Prepare confidently for your exam and master the concepts of human growth and psychological development.

The language acquisition device (LAD) is a theory proposed by linguist Noam Chomsky, which suggests that humans are born with an innate biological ability to learn language. This concept illustrates how biological evolution has influenced human language acquisition by positing that our brains are equipped with a specific neurological capacity to acquire language naturally and quickly. The LAD enables children to rapidly learn the complex rules of language, suggesting that this ability evolved as a beneficial trait for social communication.

In contrast to other options, such as socialization practices, cognitive development, or environmental factors, which all play roles in language learning, the LAD specifically emphasizes the biological substrate for language acquisition. This innate capacity is thought to give humans an advantage in learning language, distinct from learned behaviors that rely heavily on social interaction or environmental incentives. This biological perspective reinforces the idea that the ability to learn language is a fundamental aspect of human nature, shaped significantly by our evolutionary history.

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