Universal Grammar
Universal grammar (UG) is a theory in linguistics, usually credited to Noam Chomsky, proposing that the ability to learn grammar is hard-wired into the brain. The theory suggests that linguistic ability manifests itself without being taught (see poverty of the stimulus), and that there are properties that all natural human languages share. It is a matter of observation and experimentation to determine precisely what abilities are innate and what properties are shared by all languages.
Read more about Universal Grammar: Argument, History, Chomsky's Theory, Presence of Creole Languages, Criticisms, Examples
Famous quotes containing the words universal and/or grammar:
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