This paper is based on the theoretical assumption that a model on language’s nature should be, first of all, a plausible model from an evolutionary point of view. The evolution plausibility constraint should be regarded as the decisive criterion for assessing the acceptability of a certain model of language. Moving on this assumption, the main aim of this study is to evaluate the evolutionary plausibility of Minimalism or Minimalist Program (MP) – the most recent generative approach on language developed by Noam Chomsky since the early 90’s. By taking an evolutionary perspective, most scholars defend the thesis that the pre-minimalist models are highly problematical (e.g. Deacon 1997; Christiansen, Chater 2008). However, Chomsky (2010) has recently written that the PM is of great interest to those who are concerned with the question of the evolution of language. Against this conclusion, I argue that even the PM does not pass the test of the evolutionary plausibility and therefore it also must be considered unacceptable.

Quanto è evolutivamente plausibile il minimalismo?

ROSSI, MARIA GRAZIA
2011-01-01

Abstract

This paper is based on the theoretical assumption that a model on language’s nature should be, first of all, a plausible model from an evolutionary point of view. The evolution plausibility constraint should be regarded as the decisive criterion for assessing the acceptability of a certain model of language. Moving on this assumption, the main aim of this study is to evaluate the evolutionary plausibility of Minimalism or Minimalist Program (MP) – the most recent generative approach on language developed by Noam Chomsky since the early 90’s. By taking an evolutionary perspective, most scholars defend the thesis that the pre-minimalist models are highly problematical (e.g. Deacon 1997; Christiansen, Chater 2008). However, Chomsky (2010) has recently written that the PM is of great interest to those who are concerned with the question of the evolution of language. Against this conclusion, I argue that even the PM does not pass the test of the evolutionary plausibility and therefore it also must be considered unacceptable.
2011
9788878203570
Evolutionary plausibility; Minimalism Program; Universal Grammar
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/11584/61800
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