Which piece of evidence supports the existence of a Language Acquisition Device?

• A. Identification of brain areas involved in production and comprehension
• B. Observation of adults learning languages late in life
• C. The ability to memorize long lists of words
• D. The need for explicit grammar instruction

Answer: (A)

An innate language-learning mechanism is supported by evidence that language processing relies on specialized brain regions. Neuroimaging shows distinct areas dedicated to producing and understanding language, such as Broca's area for syntax and grammar and Wernicke's area for comprehension. This neural specialization fits the idea of a built-in system guiding how language is learned, helping children rapidly acquire grammar even with imperfect input and little explicit instruction. The other options don’t illustrate this built-in mechanism: adults often rely on conscious strategies and stumble with new languages later in life; memorizing long lists reflects general memory rather than grammar; and requiring explicit grammar instruction suggests language can be learned through teaching rather than an innate device.