Language Acquisition Device (LAD): The Language Acquisition Device is a hypothetical brain structure proposed by Noam Chomsky, which is believed to be responsible for our innate ability to acquire language.
Universal Grammar: Universal Grammar refers to the underlying grammatical principles and structures shared by all languages around the world. According to nativist theories, this universal grammar forms the basis for language acquisition.
Critical Period: The critical period is a specific time frame during which it is believed that optimal language acquisition occurs. Nativist theories propose that there is a biologically determined window in early childhood when children are most receptive to learning language.