3. Theories of grammar and language acquisition
In this chapter, we will introduce the basics of a generative grammar model and learn about some of the arguments for and against Chomsky’s theory of Universal Grammar.
Learning objectives
By the end of this chapter, you should be able to:
- Describe grammar as a model of the descriptive rules of language.
- Distinguish between I-language and E-language, between competence and performance, and between synchronic and diachronic approaches to explaining language properties.
- Describe the evidence that children acquire language as a rule-based system.
- Explain arguments for and against generative grammar and the theory of Universal Grammar.
- Contrast computer use of language with human use.
- Distinguish theoretical from empirical arguments and identify supporting evidence for different kinds of arguments.
definition
Any model of grammar that uses rules to generate or "build" a language structure. This model should be able to produce all of the grammatical sentences in the language and no others.
Having acquired the rules of grammar in a particular language, regardless of the ability to produce grammatical language in a particular instance.
The production of language that conforms to the rules of grammar of a particular language, regardless of whether the rules in question have been acquired by the language user.
