Final answer:
It is true that a child's language skills can be significantly impacted by their parents' provision of language exposure and opportunities for communication. Environmental interactions and social contexts contribute to language development, supplementing innate biological capacities.
Step-by-step explanation:
It is true that a child may not have normal language skills if his or her parents did not provide opportunities to talk. Language development is influenced by a complex interaction of both biological predispositions and environmental factors, such as the quantity and quality of language a child is exposed to. Studies by researchers like Hart and Risley show that children from different socioeconomic backgrounds receive varying amounts of language exposure, which can significantly impact their vocabulary and overall language skills. Additionally, research indicates that while babies are born with a biological readiness for language acquisition, active engagement with caregivers and exposure to language in social contexts are crucial for optimal language development.
In the context of using different languages or modes of communication, such as sign language for deaf children, parental decisions and the social environment also play a significant role in the child's language development. Therefore, not only the presence of language but also the social use and reinforcement of language contribute to a child's linguistic abilities. Drawing upon Chomsky's concept of a language acquisition device (LAD) and Skinner's behaviorist views, it's recognized that language is partially innate but also learned through environmental interactions.