Principles and Parameters

Definition

Principles and parameters is a theory in linguistics that posits that all human languages share a common underlying structure (principles) while allowing for specific variations (parameters) that account for the differences among languages. This framework helps explain cross-linguistic syntactic variation by suggesting that languages are governed by a set of universal rules but can differ in how they realize those rules.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Principles refer to the universal aspects of language that remain constant across all human languages, while parameters allow for variation in specific grammatical features.
2. The theory of principles and parameters was largely developed by Noam Chomsky and represents a shift from earlier theories that viewed languages as completely distinct systems.
3. One example of a parameter is word order, where some languages use Subject-Verb-Object (SVO) order, while others may follow Verb-Subject-Object (VSO) or other structures.
4. Understanding principles and parameters is crucial for linguistic research, as it provides insights into how children learn language and how linguistic features evolve over time.
5. This framework helps explain why certain grammatical constructions are universally accepted while others are unique to specific languages, highlighting both commonality and diversity in human language.

Review Questions

• How do principles and parameters help explain the similarities and differences observed in various languages?
  • Principles and parameters provide a framework where all languages share fundamental principles, which account for universal grammatical structures. At the same time, parameters allow for specific variations that result in the unique syntactic features of different languages. For instance, while all languages may have nouns and verbs, they differ in their arrangement within sentences, demonstrating how this theory accounts for both the commonalities and differences in language.
• Discuss how the principles and parameters theory informs our understanding of language acquisition in children.
  • The principles and parameters theory suggests that children are born with an innate understanding of universal grammar, which aids them in acquiring their native language. As they are exposed to their specific linguistic environment, they set the parameters based on the input they receive. This means that while all children have the capacity to learn any language, the particular language they acquire is shaped by the specific principles and parameters present in their environment.
• Evaluate the impact of principles and parameters on the field of linguistics, particularly regarding syntactic research and analysis.
  • The principles and parameters framework has significantly transformed the field of linguistics by providing a systematic approach to understanding syntactic variation across languages. It has led researchers to focus not only on the surface-level differences between languages but also on uncovering the underlying structures that govern these variations. This evaluation highlights how this theory has stimulated extensive research into universal grammar, advanced our knowledge of language processing, and deepened our understanding of cognitive mechanisms involved in language use.

Related terms

Universal Grammar: A theory suggesting that the ability to acquire language is innate to humans and that all languages share a common structure.

Syntactic Variation: The differences in sentence structure and grammatical construction observed across different languages or dialects.

Language Acquisition: The process through which humans learn to understand and communicate using their native language, often influenced by principles and parameters.