Is Language Innate?

The fact that all known human groups (even those incapable of hearing) have developed language is reason enough to consider the possibility that language-learning is innate. And, of course, the fact that human children can invent components of language even when not exposed to language makes it more likely still that language-learning ought to be considered innate. The problem in even beginning to address this issue is finding a comfortable definition of “innate” and of “language.”