From UG to the Biolinguistic Program

Introduction The nature of human cognition raises the question of whether a unified cognitive faculty governs various systems of signs, including spoken language, writing, mathematics, sign language, etc. This inquiry challenges us to reconsider how different symbolic systems might be interconnected through a shared cognitive architecture. Noam Chomsky argues from a biolinguistic perspective that language is a specialized, innate cognitive faculty centered on syntax and the Merge operation. He views language as distinct from other symbolic systems, focusing primarily on spoken communication. On the other hand, Ferdinand de Saussure offers a broader perspective, emphasizing that language encompasses more than speech, extending to a general capacity for creating systems of signs. He argues that the essence of language lies in its abstract structure, independent of sensory modality, reflecting a unified cognitive faculty. Building on this idea, Fahad Rashed Al-Mutairi explores p...

Introduction In a thought-provoking interview with C.J. Polychroniou on September 24, 2016, Noam Chomsky delves into the biolinguistic perspective, offering insights into the nature of human language. Among the many topics discussed, Chomsky critiques the Representationalist Doctrine—the idea that words and concepts in language directly correspond to objects and events in the external world in a straightforward, mirror-like fashion. Chomsky argues that while this doctrine might adequately explain certain forms of animal communication, it falls short in capturing the complexity and uniqueness of human language. This article explores Chomsky's critique, focusing on how human language operates in ways that fundamentally differ from animal communication systems. The Representationalist Doctrine This Theory suggests that words and concepts in language directly correspond to objects and events in the external world. This framework is effective in understanding animal communicat...