The document discusses criticisms of Noam Chomsky's theory of Universal Grammar and the innateness of language. It notes that Chomsky's theory proposes that language is a separate, innate faculty of the brain, but many linguists disagree with this view and think language develops through use and social interaction. It also discusses how unification grammars provide alternatives to Chomsky's theory by analyzing syntax and semantics together without positing movement of syntactic elements.
12. The innateness hypothesis
• Language depends on a SEPARATE system in
the brain
• The Language Faculty (the Language Module)
• We are BORN with Universal Grammar in our
brains!
44. Chomsky’s big claims
• Syntax is separate from meaning
• Many people disagreed
• Language is separate in the mind
• Many people didn’t agree
• Where’s your evidence?
• Where’s your proof?
• But THEN …