Review: Universal Grammar Radford, Andrew. English Syntax: An Introduction (2004) Pages 11-15
1.3 Universal Grammar
Review:
Understanding Chomsky's Cognitive Approach to Grammar
Chomsky's groundbreaking approach to grammar, which adopts a cognitive perspective that delves into the basic workings of linguistic knowledge resting within the human mind, contrasts sharply with traditional taxonomy methodologies. Rather than just identifying languages, Chomsky's purpose is to comprehend the innate linguistic skill buried within native speakers' minds.
Grammar Tacit Knowledge
The distinction between explicit and subconscious linguistic competence is crucial. Native speakers effortlessly navigate their language's syntax, intuitively crafting words without being aware of the underlying rules. Chomsky calls this internalized understanding "grammatical competence," which includes the innate ability to create and analyze sentences but goes beyond conscious comprehension.
Performance vs. Competence
Chomsky differentiates between "competence" and "performance." Competence refers to a speaker's natural linguistic knowledge, whereas performance refers to actual language use in real-world situations. Slips of the tongue, for example, do not contradict an individual's deep-seated skill. This highlights the importance of competence over performance in grammar.
The I-language and Grammar Development
The discovery of the internalized linguistic system, known as "I-language," that is inherent in native speakers is at the center of Chomsky's linguistic theory. This mental state denotes linguistic competency and shapes one's ability to successfully navigate their language. His approach emphasizes the importance of grammar in defining this internalized linguistic system.
Linguistic Constraints and Universal Grammar (UG)
Chomsky's goal is to create a Universal Grammar theory. UG strives to extend beyond particular I-languages to encompass all genuine human languages. Explanatory adequacy is a crucial requirement for UG since it gives not only universal attributes but also explains why languages have particular characteristics. Furthermore, UG constraints attempt to develop linguistic theories for natural languages rather than allowing them to be adapted to artificial or animal communication systems.
Learnability and Minimalism
Chomsky's Minimalist Program promotes language theory simplification. This reduction in complexity aligns with the goal of improving language learnability, especially for young children. A simpler grammatical structure allows for speedier acquisition, which is critical in Chomsky's linguistic framework.
Interaction with Thought and Speech Processing Systems
Chomsky's concept of grammatical components shows how they interact with mind and speech systems. The semantic representation communicates with thinking systems, whereas the PF representation communicates with vocal systems. The main goal is to only present relevant elements to the appropriate systems.
Final Thoughts
Chomsky's cognitive approach to grammar revolutionizes linguistic study by emphasizing people's innate linguistic abilities. Chomsky establishes the groundwork for understanding the universal grammar underlying various languages by focusing on cognitive components of language, giving key insights into the human mind's language capacity.
