The Partially Examined Life Philosophy Podcast – Ep. 323: Acquiring Language: Tomasello vs. Chomsky (Part Two)

Intro

In this episode of “The Partially Examined Life Philosophy Podcast,” the hosts continue their discussion on language acquisition, focusing on the theories proposed by Michael Tomasello and Noam Chomsky. They explore the differences between these two paradigms and the implications for understanding how language is acquired. The conversation delves into empirical evidence, the role of pragmatics and semantics, the biological adaptation of language, and the controversy surrounding Chomsky’s theory of universal grammar. Dylan and the other speaker express skepticism towards Chomsky’s theory and highlight the promising alternative approach presented by Tomasello. The episode provides valuable insights into the ongoing debates in the field of language acquisition and development.

Main Takeaways

Tomasello’s Usage-Based Theory

• Michael Tomasello proposes a usage-based theory of language acquisition.
• Tomasello’s theory differs from Chomsky’s formalist account.
• The difference in paradigms aligns with rationalist versus empiricist views.
• Empirical evidence shows children correctly move the auxiliary without needing to be corrected.
• Pragmatic and semantic reasons may motivate children to avoid logical errors in language acquisition.

The Biological Adaptation of Language

• Language is a biological adaptation for cooperative and competitive action.
• Syntax is a cultural and historical phenomenon, while semantics is a biological adaptation.
• Infant language capabilities are built through concrete semantic utterances and the use of symbols.
• The fundamental grammatical categories underlying all languages come from a biological adaptation or a universal grammar.
• Grammatical structures can be created out of concrete utterances through processes of grammaticalization and syntacticization.

Debating Universal Grammar

• Universal grammar does not help much in analyzing languages due to the variety of grammatical structures across languages.
• Nouns, verbs, and pronouns are typically universal across languages due to functional reasons.
• The linking problem between universal grammar and real languages creates a processing question that has not been well answered.
• Usage-based approach is simpler than positing an extra entity like universal grammar.
• Chomsky’s paradigm has been pushed back on and there is still disagreement among linguists.

Thomas Sella’s Alternative Approach

• Thomas Sella’s approach to language acquisition and development does not rely on the concept of universal grammar, and instead focuses on experimental research and biological evolution.
• Thomas Sella’s research paradigm is unique and not widely adopted, but he provides a valid explanation for language acquisition without universal grammar.
• There is still much research to be done in the field of language acquisition and development, and Thomas Sella’s approach offers a promising alternative to traditional theories.

Summary

Language Acquisition Theories: Tomasello vs. Chomsky

In this episode, the hosts delve into the theories proposed by Michael Tomasello and Noam Chomsky regarding language acquisition. Tomasello’s usage-based theory emphasizes the role of pragmatic and semantic factors in language learning, while Chomsky’s theory posits the existence of a universal grammar as the innate basis for language. The hosts discuss empirical evidence that supports Tomasello’s theory, such as children’s ability to correctly move the auxiliary without correction. They also explore the biological adaptation of language, with syntax being a cultural phenomenon and semantics being a biological adaptation. The debate around universal grammar and its limitations in analyzing diverse grammatical structures across languages is also examined. The episode highlights Thomas Sella’s alternative approach, which focuses on experimental research and biological evolution, offering a promising alternative to traditional theories.

The Ongoing Controversy and Future Research

The conversation highlights the ongoing controversy in the field of language acquisition and development. While Chomsky’s theory of universal grammar has been influential, it has faced criticism and pushback from linguists. The hosts express skepticism towards Chomsky’s theory, emphasizing the power of human capabilities to create language without the need for an innate universal grammar. Thomas Sella’s approach, though not widely adopted, presents a valid alternative that challenges the notion of universal grammar. The episode concludes by acknowledging the need for further research and exploration in understanding language acquisition and development.

Conclusion

Through a discussion of Michael Tomasello’s usage-based theory and Noam Chomsky’s theory of universal grammar, this episode sheds light on the ongoing debates in the field of language acquisition and development. The hosts explore empirical evidence, the biological adaptation of language, and the limitations of universal grammar. They also highlight the alternative approach presented by Thomas Sella, which offers a promising perspective that challenges traditional theories. Overall, the episode emphasizes the complexity of language acquisition and the need for continued research to deepen our understanding of this fundamental human capability.