From UG to the Biolinguistic Program

  Introduction In March 1986, Noam Chomsky delivered a series of lectures at the Universidad Centroamericana (UCA) in Managua, including “Principles of Language Structure.” This lecture, later compiled in the book Language and Problems of Knowledge , is central to his exploration of the fundamental nature of language and its connection to the human mind. The lecture is not merely a description of linguistic phenomena but a deep analysis of the theoretical underpinnings of language as an innate feature of the human cognitive system. Chomsky distinguishes between two levels of linguistic inquiry: the descriptive level, which involves cataloging the specific properties of individual languages, and the explanatory level, which seeks to uncover the universal principles that govern all human languages. Central to his approach is the concept of Universal Grammar (UG), a set of innate, invariant principles and parameters that form the basis of all languages and enable rapid language ac...

Introduction Noam Chomsky is widely recognized as one of the most influential figures in linguistics and cognitive science. His groundbreaking theories, particularly the concept of a universal grammar embedded within the human mind, have revolutionized our understanding of language and its acquisition. Chomsky’s work challenges conventional views, positioning language not as a learned skill but as an innate cognitive system unique to humans. His theories extend beyond linguistics, engaging deeply with philosophical questions about the nature of the mind and its relationship with the brain, often referred to by Chomsky as the mind/brain to underscore their interdependence. This article aims to explore Chomsky’s core ideas on language, the mind/brain, and the philosophical implications of his approach. By examining his views, we will uncover how he redefines traditional inquiries into human cognition, challenging reductive explanations that equate the mind with brain functions. Ce...