Which term relates to the theory that all individuals possess innate linguistic capabilities?

The term that relates to the theory that all individuals possess innate linguistic capabilities is Universal Grammar. This concept, developed by linguist Noam Chomsky, posits that the ability to acquire language is hard-wired into the brain, suggesting that all humans are born with an inherent understanding of the fundamental principles of language. This innate framework allows children to rapidly learn complex grammatical structures in their native language, often without formal instruction, highlighting the biological basis of language acquisition.

Universal Grammar implies that despite the vast diversity of languages in the world, there are underlying structures common to all human languages, which supports the idea of an inherent linguistic capability present in all individuals from an early age. This contrasts with behavioral theories, which argue that language is learned through conditioning and reinforcement, or constructivist approaches that emphasize learning through interaction and environment without focusing on innate structures.