On Nature and Language: Editors' introduction: some concepts and issues in linguistic theory

摘要: The study of language in a biological setting Dominant linguistics paradigms the first half twentieth century had centered their attention on Saussurean “Langue,” social object which individual speakers have only partial mastery. Ever since 1950s, generative grammar shifted focus linguistic research onto systems knowledge possessed by speakers, and “Language Faculty,” species-specific capacity to master use natural (Chomsky 1959). In this perspective, is object, component human mind, physically represented brain part endowment species. Within such guidelines, psychology cognitive sciences;its ultimate aim characterize central nature, defined setting. idea focusing Language Faculty was not new; it its roots classical rationalist perspective studying as “mirror mind,” domain offering privileged access cognition. order stress roots, Chomsky refers change 1950s “the second revolution,” thus paying tribute innovative ideas mind philosophy seventeenth early nineteenth centuries, with particular reference Cartesian tradition.