What would Chomsky likely assert regarding language development?

Chomsky would likely assert that brain structure and function determine language development due to his theory of Universal Grammar. He proposed that humans are inherently equipped with the ability to acquire language, suggesting that there are innate structures within the brain that enable children to understand and produce language naturally. This perspective emphasizes the biological basis of language acquisition, which contrasts with theories that focus primarily on social interaction or external reinforcement.

Chomsky argued that while environment and social interactions play a role in language learning, they cannot fully account for the rapid and complex way in which children learn their native language. His emphasis on the cognitive aspects of language development suggests a fundamental connection between brain structure and linguistic ability, highlighting the uniqueness of human language compared to the communication systems of other species. This viewpoint established a foundation for much of modern linguistics and developmental psychology.