The Language Instinct (Steven Pinker)

"The Language Instinct" by Steven Pinker argues that humans are born with an innate ability to learn language, much like a natural instinct. He contends that our brains are hardwired with specific structures that facilitate language acquisition, which explains how children can effortlessly learn complex languages without formal teaching. Pinker also discusses how this innate capacity has evolved to support social interaction and communication, emphasizing that language is a biological trait unique to humans. The book combines insights from linguistics, psychology, and neuroscience to show that language is a fundamental, instinctive part of human nature.