From UG to the Biolinguistic Program

Introduction The nature of language has long been a central concern in intellectual discourse, with varying theories offering different perspectives on its origins, structure, and function. Two of the most influential figures in this ongoing debate are Noam Chomsky and Ferdinand de Saussure, whose ideas have profoundly shaped the field of linguistics. Chomsky, with his focus on the "language faculty" and the concept of "internal language," emphasizes the innate cognitive processes that underlie linguistic capability, suggesting that these processes are largely independent of external influences. In contrast, Saussure presents a more holistic view, highlighting the interconnectedness of language's internal and external aspects, as well as its social and individual dimensions. This article explores the fundamental differences between Chomsky’s and Saussure’s approaches to language, aiming to shed light on the complexities and persistent debates within the field....