Many experts believe that children have an innate ability to acquire language from their environment. Which option best reflects this idea?

• A. They must be explicitly taught grammar rules before speaking
• B. They learn language only through imitation
• C. They have an innate ability to acquire language from their environment
• D. They cannot learn language without direct instruction

Answer: (C)

The main idea here is that children have an inborn capacity to pick up language from the language they hear around them. They’re exposed to speech in everyday interactions, and their minds use that input to develop grammar and vocabulary without needing formal lessons. This view holds that internal resources guide how children generalize rules from what they hear, even when they hear imperfect or limited data, leading to natural, creative language use.

This is why the statement that they have an innate ability to acquire language from their environment best fits the idea. It contrasts with the notion that grammar must be explicitly taught before speaking, with language learning seen as imitation alone, or with the belief that direct instruction is necessary. In real development, rich, responsive language interaction together with the child’s internal capacities explains how language emerges.