This short article attempts to answer the question as to why should there be a science called ‘linguistics’. We are told that since linguistics is concerned with the study of human language(s) , and since ‘language’ is a mirror of the mind , then ‘linguistics’ has the ultimate aim in uncovering the nature of human mind by attempting to devise (i.e. construct) a ‘ universal’ grammar through the study of language structure, acquisition, and use.
The article then expounds why the approach used in trying to achieve this goal, namely Transformational Generative Grammar (TGG) is unlike other approaches to language-study , e.g. structural. The difference lies in the fact that the TGG approach is ‘mentalistic’ or ‘rational’, i.e. it employs reasoning which requires a formal language , e.g. that of computer or logic , to account for natural language(s)
The article then moves on to a brief discussion of the characteristics of the linguistic theory that does this: it must be: (1) observationally; (2) descriptively; and (3) explanatory adequate.
A good feature of the article is that it often explains the meaning of some of the words that may be difficult to the non specialist.
Another good feature is that the article includes some questions that are intended to enable the reader to understand the workings of TGG. They are meant to remove misconceptions about this unique approach to language study. The questions are briefly answered, except for the sixth question, namely "What kinds of evidence are there for the accumulation of experience which enables the child to acquire its language?", which is not answered at all.
Finally, I point out some "slips of the keyboard":
(1) Later, the Arabic child will learn ‘peripheral’ rules and, hence, ‘particular’ grammar as used by all Jordanian speakers. (Arab/Arabic-speaking)
(2) These naturally constitute two different, but related, set of abilities (or knowledge) . (sets)
Without constraints, our grammars will work freely and, hence, generating ungrammatical sentences. ((will) generate)
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