The Partially Examined Life Philosophy Podcast – Ep. 323: Acquiring Language: Tomasello vs. Chomsky (Part One)

Intro

In this episode of “The Partially Examined Life Philosophy Podcast”, the hosts delve into the debate between Michael Tomasello and Noam Chomsky regarding the acquisition of language. They explore different theories and approaches to understanding how children acquire language and the role of innate abilities versus social interaction. This thought-provoking discussion sheds light on the philosophical implications of language acquisition.

Main Takeaways

Children’s Language Acquisition

• Children acquire language through usage-based theory.
• Language is not an instinct, but rather learned through social interaction.
• Michael Tomasello’s theory of language acquisition focuses on the importance of joint attention and intentionality.
• Chomsky’s theory of language acquisition involves a universal grammar innate to the human mind.
• The debate between Tomasello and Chomsky highlights different approaches to understanding language acquisition.

Language Acquisition and Philosophy

• Understanding language acquisition is important for discussing language in philosophy.
• Wittgenstein’s idea of meaning as use is intuitive and helpful in understanding language.
• Reading linguistics discussions can provide insight into language acquisition and use.

Debate on Innate Knowledge

• Noam Chomsky’s ideas on language acquisition are intuitive and insightful.
• Thomas Lowe’s work on joint attentional frames and tension reading provides aha moments in understanding language evolution.
• Language is not an instinct, according to Tomasello’s review of Stephen Pinker’s book “The Language Instinct”.
• Universal grammar and generative grammar are prominent theories in language acquisition, with proponents such as Chomsky and Pinker.

Joint Attention and Symbolic Representation

• Language acquisition is based on the capacity for joint attention and intentional frames, as well as cognitive abilities like pattern detection.
• Tomasello argues that this is sufficient for language learning, while Chomsky and others believe there must be more innate grammar involved.
• Tomasello’s usage-based theory is opposed to the evolutionary psychology approach, which often relies on specific brain modules with selective pressures.
• The debate centers around the definition of “innate” and the specificity of cognitive capacities for language acquisition.

The Role of Recursion

• Recursion is a crucial element of universal grammar and language, and is an innate ability in humans.
• Chomsky believes that language is not learned through experience, but rather an innate ability.
• Tomasello argues that language can be learned through experience and basic human capabilities.
• Tomasello believes that semantics come before syntax, and that syntax is generated from semantic experience.

Comparison with Animal Communication

• Joint attention and symbolic representation are unique to humans.
• Vervet monkeys have hard-wired behavior and instinctual calls that are not symbolic or referential.
• Birds also exhibit instinctual behavior, such as building nests without learning from other birds.
• To compare primate communication with human communication, gestures should be considered instead of hard-wired calls.

Summary

Language Acquisition Theories

Children acquire language through usage-based theory, which emphasizes social interaction and joint attention. Michael Tomasello’s theory focuses on the importance of joint attention and intentionality in language acquisition. In contrast, Noam Chomsky’s theory involves a universal grammar innate to the human mind. The debate between Tomasello and Chomsky highlights different approaches to understanding language acquisition, with Tomasello emphasizing social interaction and Chomsky emphasizing innate abilities.

Philosophical Implications

Understanding language acquisition is crucial for discussing language in philosophy. Wittgenstein’s idea of meaning as use provides intuitive insights into language. Reading linguistics discussions can also provide valuable insights into language acquisition and use, enriching philosophical discussions on language.

Debate on Innate Knowledge

Noam Chomsky’s ideas on language acquisition are highly regarded for their intuitiveness and insightfulness. Thomas Lowe’s work on joint attentional frames and tension reading offers a fresh perspective on language evolution. Tomasello’s review of Stephen Pinker’s book “The Language Instinct” challenges the notion of language as an instinct. Universal grammar and generative grammar theories play prominent roles in language acquisition debates, with proponents like Chomsky and Pinker.

Joint Attention and Symbolic Representation

Language acquisition is based on the capacity for joint attention, intentional frames, and cognitive abilities like pattern detection. Tomasello argues that these factors are sufficient for language learning, while Chomsky and others believe that innate grammar must also be involved. This debate revolves around the definition of “innate” and the specificity of cognitive capacities for language acquisition. Tomasello’s usage-based theory challenges the evolutionary psychology approach that relies on specific brain modules with selective pressures.

The Role of Recursion

Recursion, the ability to embed structures within structures, is a crucial element of universal grammar and language. Chomsky believes that language is not learned through experience, but is an innate ability. In contrast, Tomasello argues that language can be learned through experience and basic human capabilities. Tomasello’s theory suggests that semantics come before syntax, with syntax generated from semantic experience.

Comparison with Animal Communication

Joint attention and symbolic representation are unique to humans and cannot be replicated by animals. Vervet monkeys and birds exhibit instinctual behavior and calls that are not symbolic or referential. To compare primate communication with human communication, gestures should be considered instead of hard-wired calls. Dogs exhibit behaviors similar to Skinner’s account of association but also use gestures and pay attention to human signals. While dogs have co-evolved with humans and form part of our social pack, they lack the ability to direct attention using linguistic symbols.

Conclusion

The debate between Michael Tomasello and Noam Chomsky on language acquisition offers valuable insights into the complex nature of language learning. While Tomasello emphasizes social interaction and joint attention, Chomsky highlights the role of innate grammar. Understanding language acquisition is not only important for linguistic studies but also has profound philosophical implications. By exploring different theories and approaches, we gain a deeper understanding of the human capacity for language and its role in our lives.