Final answer:
Language is a complex communication system that allows us to express ideas and concepts. Children acquire language naturally and effortlessly, following a predictable sequence. Language acquisition is influenced by biological factors and language development influences cognition and communication.
Step-by-step explanation:
General Understanding of Language, its Acquisition, and Development
Language is a complex communication system that consists of a lexicon and grammar. It allows us to express ideas and concepts, both concrete and abstract, and facilitates communication about various topics. Language development occurs naturally and effortlessly in children, following a predictable sequence across different cultures. It is believed that there is a biological predisposition to acquire language, and this ability is strongest in early childhood.
Language Acquisition
The process of language acquisition is a remarkable feat, especially considering the complexity of language. While B.F. Skinner proposed that language is learned through reinforcement, Noam Chomsky argued that language acquisition is biologically determined. He suggested that humans are born with a natural ability to acquire language and that there is a critical period for language learning, which declines as people grow older.
Language Development in Children
Children begin to learn about language from a very young age. Through passive exposure to language, they learn the rules and vocabulary of the language spoken around them. This process is supported by innate cognitive abilities that help children understand and produce language. Language acquisition also plays a role in shaping our brains and influencing certain aspects of cognition and communication.