What is the primary focus of Chomsky's theory in language acquisition?

Chomsky's theory of language acquisition primarily emphasizes the concept of innateness and universal grammar. He proposed that humans have an inherent capacity for language that is biologically programmed into our brains. This theory suggests that all human languages share a fundamental structure, which he referred to as universal grammar. According to Chomsky, children are born with an innate ability to acquire language, which allows them to learn complex grammatical rules and structures naturally and quickly, usually without explicit instruction.

This perspective contrasts with theories that focus on social interactions, environmental influences, or behavioral reinforcement. While these elements can play a role in language development, Chomsky argues that the foundational ability to learn language is a built-in feature of the human mind. His theory has significantly influenced linguistics, psychology, and education by highlighting the biological underpinnings of language acquisition.