Universal Grammar

Full Title or Meme

Universal grammar is a psycholinguistic theory that all languages share a common grammatical basis. Noam Chomsky is often credited with this theory. Generative grammar is a concept of syntax, while universal grammar is a concept of psycholinguistics.

Generative grammar is different from other types of grammar, such as prescriptive and descriptive grammar, in that it seeks to understand the fundamental principles that make language possible for all humans. Here are some ways generative grammar compares to other types of grammar:

Prescriptive grammar attempts to establish standardized language rules, such as the order of parts of speech in sentences.

Descriptive grammar attempts to describe language as it is actually used, including dialects and pidgins. Generative grammar claims that descriptive grammar only describes language without explaining it. Universal grammar

Generative grammar is a set of rules that attempts to include all examples of correct language and predict how they will be formed. It is based on the theory that all humans have an innate language capacity.

Context

There remains much disagreement about the basis for language and its acquisition by humans. Ludwig Wittgenstein and Noam Chomsky were both influential figures in the field of philosophy of language and linguistics.

1. Wittgenstein's Later Work
   1. Wittgenstein's later work, especially as described in his book, Philosophical Investigations, focused on language and its use.
   2. He warned against mentalistic temptations and criticized his own earlier formal account of language in the *Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus.
   3. Wittgenstein emphasized the importance of understanding language in terms of its practical use and context.
2. Chomsky's Critique of Wittgenstein
   1. In 1969, Chomsky reviewed some of Wittgenstein's later work and scored it almost as severely as he had B.F. Skinner's behaviorist perspective a decade earlier.
   2. Chomsky criticized what he perceived as Wittgenstein's "empiricist speculation."
   3. He misread some passages in Wittgenstein's works, but his main criticisms were rooted in their fundamental differences regarding mentalism.
3. *Mentalistic vs. Anti-Mentalistic Perspectives
   1. Chomsky's approach is mentalistic, emphasizing internal cognitive processes and innate structures (such as Universal Grammar).
   2. Wittgenstein, on the other hand, took an anti-mentalistic stance, focusing on language as a social practice and rejecting mentalistic explanations.
   3. Chomsky accused Wittgenstein of neglecting the mental essence of cognitive activities and failing to consider unconscious thought processes.
4. Wittgenstein's Influence on Linguistics
   1. Despite their differences, Wittgenstein's work can be used to critique some of Chomsky's views.
   2. Wittgenstein's emphasis on practical language use aligns with modern sociolinguistics and pragmatics.
   3. His ideas continue to shape discussions about language behavior and meaning.

Chomsky's and Wittgenstein's interactions highlight the ongoing debate between mentalistic and anti-mentalistic approaches in understanding language.