A Theoretical Review and Analysis of Generative Grammar in Contemporary Linguistics

Abstract

Aim of the Study: The paper is a theoretical discussion of Generative Grammar and its role in the modern linguistic studies. The discussion begins by providing an overview of the origins of Generative Grammar with a special emphasis on the contributions of Noam Chomsky, who introduced the initial understanding of Generative Grammar, namely that language is a mental ability regulated by an internal system of rules called universal grammar.

Methodology: This paper employs the qualitative approach to research and descriptive research design based on library research. The latter method is chosen to analyze the theoretical basis of Noam Chomsky in his generative grammar in terms of a critical review of primary and secondary sources concerning the topics of nativism, Universal Grammar, competence, performance, and syntactic structure within the framework of transformational grammar. The primary source is the paper titled Generative Grammar and is supported by the literature on the subject, such as works by Noam Chomsky, M.A.K. Halliday and George Lakoff.

Findings: The article incorporates and contrasts important theoretical contributions and criticisms of the various schools of linguistics to assess the current state and viability of Generative Grammar. The discussion shows that Generative Grammar still plays a significant role in the linguistic theory, particularly in the explanation of syntactic phenomena and language acquisition.

Conclusion: Study concluded that nativism is one of the main concepts and it holds the view that the ability to speak a language is inborn, and it is not entirely learned. This perspective is related closely to the theory of Universal Grammar, the theoretical framework of structural rules common to all human languages.