Introduction to Syntax Session 1

Presentation Topic 1
Nature versus Nurture
Chomsky has argued that the ability of humans to use language is
innate (an instinct). Most linguists nowadays subscribe to that idea.
On this view it is predicted that human languages exhibit
interesting generalizations. It is these generalizations that linguists
investigate.
One of the core arguments for the innateness of the human
language capacity is the poverty of stimulus argument. There is a
very recent debate whether this argument is actually compelling.
Read the following papers of the proponents and opponents of the
linguistic nativism thesis and give a short and clear representation of
their views. Think about your positioning. Which arguments do
you find more convincing?
27.05.2008 Some slides are adapted from material of A. Carnie 17