Which of the following best describes the nativist model of language development?

Prepare for the CTEL 1 - Language and Language Development Test. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, with hints and explanations for each question. Get ready to succeed!

The nativist model of language development posits that humans are born with an inherent ability to acquire language, suggesting that certain linguistic structures are hardwired into the brain. This is often referred to as "universal grammar," which means that all humans share a common underlying structure for language, making it easier to learn any language they are exposed to during critical periods of development. The idea is that while children may learn the specifics of their native language through exposure and social interaction, the core principles of language are innate and help facilitate the learning process.

This understanding contrasts with other models where language development is viewed as primarily a result of imitation or environmental influence. For example, while social interaction does play a significant role in language learning, the nativist approach emphasizes that the ability to acquire language is fundamentally programmed in the human brain itself, thus supporting the validity of option B as the most accurate description of the nativist model.

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