Chomskian Linguistics free essay sample

A review of chapter 13 of the book Darwins Dangerous Idea by Daniel Dennett, on the evolution of language. This paper analyzes chapter 13 of Daniel Dennetts book Darwins Dangerous Idea` which speaks on the evolution of language. The paper discusses how the book presents a lengthy discussion of many opposing arguments to language creation based on Darwins theory of evolution. The paper shows how Dennett particularly focuses on Noam Chomskys refutation of the existence or involvement of Darwinism ideas on language creation. Dennetts position asserts that language has evolved because of the many processes organisms, particularly human beings, had experienced. based on Darwins popular `natural selection process.` `After Dennett has presented his position in the first part of the chapter, he shifted the books discussion to the opposing arguments of philosophers and scientists about the creation of language. Dennett particularly focused on Noam Chomskys ideas and theories on how language was created. We will write a custom essay sample on Chomskian Linguistics or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page The main argument presented by Noam Chomsky against the Darwinian theory-based evolution of language is that language didnt really evolve but just rather suddenly arrived, an inexplicable gift, at best a by-product of the enlargement of the human brain. Chomsky presented his argument based on the adaptations that the human brain had undergone, later developing what Chomsky termed as specialized organ solely functioning to facilitate language and its processes. Chomskian Linguistics centers on language learning, or the learning of language through a set of rules already set in human minds. This set of rules came from the specialized organ of language faculty Chomsky has formulated, and is labeled as the Universal Grammar.