Which theory states language is innate and involves hypothesis, trial and error, creativity?

• A. Innatist theory of LA
• B. Cognitive-developmentalist theory of LA
• C. The Silent Way
• D. The Natural Approach

Answer: (A)

Language ability is described as inborn, with an internal mechanism that generates hypotheses about how language works, tests those hypotheses against linguistic input, and produces creative, novel utterances beyond mere imitation. This reflects the innatist view of language acquisition, where a Language Acquisition Device and Universal Grammar underlie how children rapidly develop rules and apply them creatively. The other options don’t center on an innate, hypothesis-driven grammar: the cognitive-developmentalist view ties language to general cognitive growth rather than an inherent language faculty; The Silent Way is a classroom method emphasizing discovery learning; and The Natural Approach focuses on exposing learners to understandable input and natural language use rather than an innate grammar-driven process.