What concept describes that language development is universal across cultures?

The concept that language development is universal across cultures is best described by Universal Grammar. This theory, proposed by linguist Noam Chomsky, suggests that the ability to acquire language is innate to humans and that all human languages share a common structural foundation. According to this theory, regardless of cultural differences, children are born with an inherent capability to learn language, and this innate structure guides their development of linguistic skills.

Universal Grammar posits that while the specific languages spoken may vary widely, the fundamental principles underlying all languages are shared, allowing children from diverse backgrounds to learn to speak and understand language in similar stages. This universality is what supports the idea that all humans inherently possess the cognitive tools necessary for language acquisition.

In contrast, Language Acquisition Theory focuses on the processes through which individuals learn language, which may not inherently emphasize the universality aspect. Linguistic Relativity suggests that language influences thought and perception, emphasizing the differences rather than the universal aspects of language. Social Learning Theory, on the other hand, looks at how individuals learn behaviors through observation and imitation, which does not specifically address the universal nature of language development.