The theory of universal grammar relies heavily on the biolinguistic concept of natural endowment and innate knowledge of the general principles of language. It postulates that all humans are naturally endowed with the general rules and configurations of language and to this extent, all natural languages have similar structural features.
The theory of universal grammar as hypothesised by Chomsky and propagated by other linguists however recognizes the existence of language-specific idiosyncratic features that constitute parametric variations among languages. These are the parameters of universal grammar. The most prominent parameters that create distinctions between languages are head directionality, pro-drop or null-subject and wh- parameters.
This paper reviews the null-subject parameter in English and juxtaposes its occurrence or non-occurrence in Izon language and its implications for language acquisition.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- 1.0 Introduction
- 1.1 Principles and Parameters
- 2.0 The Structure of the English Language
- 3.0 Null-subject manifestation in Izon language
- 3.1 Null-subject in interrogatives in Izon language
- 4.0 Implications for language acquisition
- 5.0 Conclusion
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This paper aims to comparatively review the null-subject parameter in English and Izon languages, illuminating how speakers of these languages acquire their respective languages through differing parameters. The study is grounded in theoretical linguistics, providing linguistic insights into the null-subject status of both languages and potentially facilitating second language acquisition.
- Universal Grammar and Principles and Parameters Theory
- The Null-Subject Parameter as a Parametric Variation
- Comparative Syntax of English and Izon
- Implications for Language Acquisition
- The Role of Pro-drop in Different Language Types
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
1.0 Introduction: This introductory chapter sets the stage for a comparative syntactic analysis of the null-subject parameter in English and Izon languages. It establishes the theoretical framework of Universal Grammar (UG) and Principles and Parameters Theory (PPT), emphasizing the concept of parametric variation and its significance in explaining linguistic diversity. The chapter introduces the null-subject parameter, highlighting its role in distinguishing between pro-drop and non-pro-drop languages. The core objective of the paper—a comparative study of null-subject phenomena in English and Izon to shed light on language acquisition—is clearly articulated.
1.1 Principles and Parameters: This section delves deeper into the theoretical underpinnings of the study, providing a detailed explanation of Principles and Parameters Theory (PPT). It clarifies the distinction between universal principles (shared by all languages) and parameters (language-specific variations). The concept of the null-subject parameter is further elaborated, emphasizing its binary nature and its role in shaping the syntactic structures of various languages. The section highlights how PPT explains both the similarities and differences found across natural languages, making it a suitable framework for the comparative analysis undertaken in the paper.
2.0 The Structure of the English Language: This chapter focuses on the syntactic structure of English, specifically addressing its status as a non-pro-drop language. It explains that English does not permit the omission of overt subjects in declarative sentences, illustrating this with examples of grammatical and ungrammatical sentences. The chapter contrasts English’s non-pro-drop nature with pro-drop languages like Italian, where null subjects are permissible. While acknowledging the existence of exceptions like imperative sentences, the chapter reinforces English's overall adherence to the non-pro-drop parameter.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Universal Grammar, Principles and Parameters, Parametric Variations, Null-Subject, Pro-drop, English, Izon, Language Acquisition, Comparative Syntax, Generative Syntax.
FAQ: A Comparative Syntactic Analysis of the Null-Subject Parameter in English and Izon Languages
What is the main topic of this paper?
This paper provides a comparative syntactic analysis of the null-subject parameter in English and Izon languages. It investigates how speakers of these languages acquire their respective languages through differing parameters, using the theoretical framework of Universal Grammar and Principles and Parameters Theory.
What are the key themes explored in the paper?
Key themes include Universal Grammar and Principles and Parameters Theory, the Null-Subject Parameter as a Parametric Variation, a comparative syntax of English and Izon, implications for language acquisition, and the role of pro-drop in different language types.
What theoretical framework is used in this analysis?
The study is grounded in theoretical linguistics, specifically using Universal Grammar (UG) and Principles and Parameters Theory (PPT). PPT is emphasized as a tool to understand parametric variation and its role in explaining linguistic diversity.
What is the null-subject parameter?
The null-subject parameter distinguishes between pro-drop and non-pro-drop languages. Pro-drop languages allow the omission of overt subjects in sentences, while non-pro-drop languages do not.
Is English a pro-drop language?
No, English is a non-pro-drop language. The paper explains that English generally does not permit the omission of overt subjects in declarative sentences.
Is Izon a pro-drop language?
The paper specifically examines the null-subject manifestation in Izon, including its behavior in interrogative sentences (see chapter 3.0 and 3.1). The exact classification of Izon regarding the null-subject parameter is detailed within the text.
What are the implications for language acquisition?
The comparative study of null-subject phenomena in English and Izon aims to shed light on how speakers of these different language types acquire their native languages. The differing parameters are expected to contribute to different acquisition pathways.
What does the paper cover in each chapter?
The paper includes an introduction setting the theoretical framework, a section detailing Principles and Parameters Theory, a chapter on the structure of English as a non-pro-drop language, a chapter dedicated to the null-subject parameter in Izon (including interrogatives), a chapter discussing implications for language acquisition and a concluding chapter.
What are the keywords associated with this paper?
Keywords include: Universal Grammar, Principles and Parameters, Parametric Variations, Null-Subject, Pro-drop, English, Izon, Language Acquisition, Comparative Syntax, Generative Syntax.
What is the overall objective of the paper?
The paper aims to comparatively review the null-subject parameter in English and Izon languages, illuminating how speakers of these languages acquire their respective languages through differing parameters. It seeks to provide linguistic insights and potentially facilitate second language acquisition.
- Citar trabajo
- Odingowei Kwokwo (Autor), 2010, A Comparative Syntactic Review of Null-Subject Parameter in English and Izon Languages, Múnich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/314744
