Nativist Approach in Language Development

The nativist approach, primarily associated with linguist Noam Chomsky, posits that humans are born with an innate capacity for language acquisition. This perspective contrasts with behaviorist theories that emphasize environmental learning.

Analysis of Options:

• A. Exposure to language in environment: This reflects an empiricist or behaviorist view, emphasizing learning through interaction and reinforcement, not the core nativist idea of innate structures.
• B. Language acquisition device (LAD): This is a foundational concept in nativist theory. Chomsky proposed the LAD as a hypothetical mental faculty enabling children to acquire language rapidly and unconsciously.
• C. Innate linguistic capability: This directly aligns with the nativist perspective, which argues that humans possess a biological predisposition or 'wiring' for language.
• D. Universal grammar (UG): This is another key nativist concept. UG refers to the set of abstract grammatical principles believed to be common to all human languages, hardwired into the human brain from birth.

Conclusion

Options B, C, and D all represent core components of the nativist approach to language development. Therefore, the correct choice includes these three elements.

The correct option is D, B, C & D only.