The Language Instinct

"The Language Instinct," a concept popularized by linguist Steven Pinker, suggests that humans have an innate ability to acquire language, much like how other species have instinctual behaviors. According to this view, language is not merely a cultural artifact but a natural part of human development, hardwired in our brains. This instinct enables children to rapidly learn complex linguistic rules without formal instruction, highlighting the deep connection between language and human cognition. In essence, it posits that language is an essential feature of what it means to be human, rooted in our biology.