Final answer:
Professor Pearl likely suggests that first language acquisition involves a combination of innate biological mechanisms and environmental reinforcement, as per theories by Skinner and Chomsky. Language acquisition is a complex process influenced by biological predispositions and cultural immersion.
Step-by-step explanation:
Professor Pearl's suggestion regarding how first language acquisition learners translate perceived auditory input into behavioral output ties into the longstanding debate between behaviourists like B.F. Skinner and nativists such as Noam Chomsky. Skinner posited that language is learned through reinforcement, where children receive feedback from their environment. For instance, a child who says 'me juice' might receive a cup of juice from their parent, reinforcing the language behavior.
Chomsky countered Skinner's view by introducing the concept of an innate Language Acquisition Device (LAD), suggesting that the capacity for language learning is hardwired within us. The current understanding among researchers blends both perspectives, acknowledging that language acquisition is a complex interplay of inborn biological mechanisms and environmental reinforcement.
Children naturally absorb language through exposure and interaction, but there are theories like the acculturation model that emphasize the role of societal and cultural immersion. Developing language skills early on, without formal instruction, seems to be a universal pattern, supporting the idea of a biological predisposition towards language acquisition. Additionally, language development can be influenced by practices such as teaching sign language alongside spoken language, which could enhance cognitive reinforcement for children.