原文视听

Chomsky argues that our ability to talk
乔姆斯基认为我们说话的能力
is not just the result of our general intelligence
并不仅仅来自于人类的一般智力
but that we have an unconscious innate understanding about things
而是因为我们潜意识里对于句式语序
like sentence structure, word order, meaning and sounds.
含义和声调这类事物的天生理解力
Arlo, why don't you count them?
阿洛 你来数数有几个
But while we may have the blueprint for language,
但即使我们对语言有先天的认知能力
we need to be exposed to it early in life.
生命初期也需要生活在语言中
If a child is brought up on stilts, let's say,
假设一个孩子从小踩着高跷
and then they're taken off when it's two years old,
两岁时才帮他取掉高跷
it probably won't be able to acquire the capacity to walk
很可能他就无法学会走路了
because it's just too late.
因为为时已晚
You know, something should have happened already.
有些事情是早就应该完成的
Same with binocular vision and so on,
就像睁开双眼观察一样
and probably the same is true of language.
可能语言也是这么回事
Chomsky's theories get to the heart of the fundamental question -
乔姆斯基的理论触及了这基本问题的核心
is talking the result of nature or nurture?
说话的能力是天生的还是后天的

重点解释

we need to be exposed to it early in life.生命初期也需要生活在语言中

expose to面临, 曝露

New it has been exposed to the light of day.

现在它已经暴露在光天化日之下了。

The color fades when exposed to light.

这颜色曝光後会褪色。

If a child is brought up on stilts假设一个孩子从小踩着高跷

bring up教育；养育

The couple contrived to bring up their children on a small income.

这对夫妻设法以菲薄的收入把孩子扶养成人。

The lamb had to be brought up by hand.

这只小羊要用奶瓶喂养。

and then they're taken off when it's two years old,两岁时才帮他取掉高跷

take off脱掉

However hot it is, he will not take off his coat.

无论多热,他也不会脱掉外衣。

The doctor gestured me to take off my coat.

医生做手势要我脱去外套。