Which model suggests that humans are born with a universal grammar?

Prepare for the ORELA English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Exam. Utilize flashcards and multiple-choice questions with hints and explanations. Be exam-ready!

The Nativist Model is the correct choice because it posits that humans are born with an innate capacity for language, which is often referred to as "universal grammar." This theory, primarily associated with Noam Chomsky, argues that all human languages share a common underlying structure, and that children are pre-equipped with the ability to acquire language naturally and effortlessly. The existence of universal grammar helps explain why language acquisition occurs universally across different cultures and languages, despite variations in specific languages.

The other models do not emphasize this innate linguistic ability. The Behaviorist Model focuses on learning language through imitation and reinforcement, suggesting that language is acquired through environmental interactions rather than an inherent capability. The Constructivist Model emphasizes active learning where individuals construct knowledge through experiences rather than being pre-wired for language. Lastly, the Cognitive Developmental Model, while acknowledging the importance of cognitive processes in language acquisition, does not propose the existence of a built-in grammar system. Thus, the Nativist Model uniquely identifies the notion that individuals are born with a universal capacity for language.

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