Final answer:
The nature of language acquisition and its use is influenced by both heredity and environment, as both Noam Chomsky's concept of a language acquisition device and B. F. Skinner's reinforcement theory contribute to our understanding. Personal experiences and cultural background also shape language use, and language allows the expression of abstract concepts, supporting its generative nature.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Wild Boy of Aveyron poses questions regarding the nature of language, whether it is influenced more by heredity or environment, and whether it utilizes abstract or concrete symbols. Language development occurs rapidly in children, suggesting a biological predisposition to acquire language, as Noam Chomsky's concept of a language acquisition device (LAD) argues. However, the role of reinforcement and interaction with the linguistic environment also plays a substantial part in this process, supporting B. F. Skinner's behavioral perspective on language learning. The question of language being a matter of phonology or syntax is intricately linked to linguistic relativity, where the structure and vocabulary of a language can influence thought and perception.
Cultural and personal history contribute to language usage, as demonstrated by the study that theorizes a man's repetitive use of the syllable 'tan' could relate to his hometown's association with tanneries. This highlights the impact culture and identity have on language use. Moreover, humans do not only communicate about their immediate environment but also use language to express complex and abstract ideas, suggesting that language is not solely referential but also generative and capable of infinite creativity.