Psycholinguistics, as defined by Noam Chomsky, is the study of the interrelationship between linguistic and psychological processes. Specifically, Chomsky emphasizes the ways in which language is both produced and understood by the mind, illustrating how human cognition enables language acquisition and usage.
Chomsky’s theories suggest that there is an inherent capacity for language built into the human brain, a notion encapsulated by his famous concept of the ‘Universal Grammar.’ This idea posits that all human languages share a common structural basis and that children are born with an innate ability to develop language skills.
Furthermore, Chomsky argues that language is not merely a learned behavior, but rather, it is a complex cognitive function that allows individuals to express thoughts, ideas, and emotions through structured communication. This perspective has significant implications for understanding how humans learn languages and how language affects thought processes.