universal grammar
Built-in language blueprint
Universal grammar is the theory that humans are born with an innate capacity for language—a built-in mental framework that shapes how any language can work.
Associated with linguist Noam Chomsky, it proposes that all languages share deep structural principles, explaining why children acquire language so rapidly despite limited input.
The concept remains debated among linguists.
Preference for native-born citizens
- critical periodOptimal developmental timeframe
- prewiredWiring already installed
- species-specificUnique to one organism type
- domain-specificLimited to particular field
Influential linguist and activist
- minimalist programSoftware reduced to essentials
- recursionProcess invoking itself
- competenceAdequate ability to function
- performanceCarrying out a task
Sentence structure pattern
Science of mental speech processes
- neurolinguisticsScience of brain-based speech
- cognitive scienceStudy of mental processes
- language processingComputational interpretation of speech
- brain plasticityNeural network's ability to reorganize
nativism
Preference for native-born citizens
- critical periodOptimal developmental timeframe
- prewiredWiring already installed
- species-specificUnique to one organism type
Noam Chomsky
Influential linguist and activist
- minimalist programSoftware reduced to essentials
- recursionProcess invoking itself
- competenceAdequate ability to function
word order
Sentence structure pattern
psycholinguistics
Science of mental speech processes
- neurolinguisticsScience of brain-based speech
- cognitive scienceStudy of mental processes
- language processingComputational interpretation of speech
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