Who is associated with the innatist view of language acquisition?

The innatist view of language acquisition is most closely associated with Noam Chomsky, a linguist who proposed that humans are born with an inherent ability to learn language. This idea is rooted in his theory of a universal grammar, which posits that all human languages share a common structural basis. Chomsky argued that children are not merely imitating what they hear in their environment; instead, they possess an innate linguistic capability that allows them to understand and produce complex language structures even with limited exposure.

This perspective contrasts with behaviorist theories, such as those of B.F. Skinner, who emphasized learning through environmental interaction and reinforcement. It also differs from cognitive developmental theories like those proposed by Jean Piaget, who focused on the role of cognitive stages in development rather than innate linguistic abilities. Similarly, Lev Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory stresses the importance of social interactions and cultural context in learning, rather than an innate knowledge of language. Thus, Chomsky's emphasis on the inherent capacity for language falls squarely within the innatist framework, making it the correct answer.