Child Quote by Steven Pinker
“Parents provide their children with genes as well as an environment, so the fact that talkative parents have kids with good language skills could simply mean that and that the same genes that make parents talkative make children articulate.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Language Instinct, Steven Pinker, 1994
Language ability may be inherited genetically and shaped by environment; talkative parents might pass both traits.
In simple terms: Genes and environment both influence language skills.
Key Takeaway
Consider both nature and nurture in development.
Themes
development
genetics
environment
language acquisition
Mood
analytical
informative
Type
explanatory
scientific
When to use this quote
- parenting
- education
- speech therapy
- research studies
Key Concepts
behavioral genetics
epigenetics
Questions to Reflect On
- What role does environment play in language?
- How can we support children with different backgrounds?
A Different Perspective
Genetic influence may be overstated without accounting for learning.
