Keelevaistu

Keelevaistu is a theoretical concept in cognitive science and linguistics that denotes an innate predisposition for language in humans. The term, which can be translated roughly as “language instinct,” is used to discuss whether humans possess specialized cognitive mechanisms that facilitate language acquisition beyond general learning abilities. In English-language discourse, the idea is closely associated with the notion of Universal Grammar and the view that children acquire complex linguistic systems rapidly and with limited explicit instruction.

Proponents of keelevaistu argue that certain linguistic structures and developmental milestones appear across diverse languages, suggesting an internal framework guiding language development. They point to rapid, early language acquisition, the ease with which children infer grammatical rules, and the seeming surfeit of constraints that shape possible languages as evidence for an innate endowment. Critics, however, emphasize the role of exposure, social interaction, and statistical learning, arguing that language can be learned effectively through domain-general cognitive processes without a dedicated, language-specific module.

Empirical discussion around keelevaistu encompasses language development studies, cross-linguistic comparisons, and research into language disorders. Critics caution against overestimating innateness and highlight that cognitive and environmental factors interact in complex ways to produce language abilities. In Estonia, the term appears in scholarly writings on linguistics and psychology, where it is weighed against alternative accounts of language acquisition and development.

Overall, keelevaistu remains a debated concept, reflecting broader questions about the balance between innate predispositions and experiential learning in human language.