What is the capacity that allows infants to understand and master language known as?

The capacity that allows infants to understand and master language is referred to as the Language Acquisition Device. This concept, proposed by linguist Noam Chomsky, suggests that humans are born with an innate ability to learn language. This innate knowledge equips them with the basic framework to understand the rules of language and to acquire their native language through exposure.

The Language Acquisition Device explains how children can learn complex grammatical structures without explicit instruction and why they can rapidly acquire language during early childhood. It emphasizes the cognitive and biological basis for language development, indicating that there is a natural propensity for language learning within humans.

Understanding this concept is essential for social work practitioners as it highlights the importance of language development in early childhood for effective communication and social integration, which are crucial for emotional and social support in various settings.