Table of Contents
Question 87
In the context of 'nature-nurture' debate in Linguistics, there is a view that there must be an innate core of abstract knowledge about language form, which pre-specifies a framework for all natural human languages and is currently known as Universal Grammar. Among the following, who is the linguist proposing this view?
Universal grammar (UG) is a theory in modern linguistics that posits an innate biological component of the language faculty, commonly associated with Noam Chomsky. According to UG, there are inherent limitations on the potential grammar of any human language. When exposed to linguistic input during language acquisition, children instinctively adopt specific syntactic rules that align with UG.
Advocates of UG highlight the poverty of the stimulus (POS) argument and the existence of certain universal properties observed across diverse languages. However, the extent of such universality is still a subject of debate among linguists, as some argue that languages exhibit significant diversity. Consequently, the theory of universal grammar remains a topic of ongoing controversy within the field.
Question 88
Which of the following points are correct regarding the Direct Method of teaching English in a classroom scenario?
A. There is no interference of the mother tongue.
B. There is a direct connection with the target language (English). Learners think in the target express in the target language.
C. The teaching learning process is carried out in English.
D. This method is useful in overcrowded classroom situations.
E. This method is based on the principle of Doing by Learning.
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
The Direct Method of teaching English is an instructional approach that emphasises the use of the target language in the classroom. In this method, the teacher avoids the use of the students' native language and instead communicates solely in English.
Here is a list of key principles and techniques associated with the Direct Method:
- Oral Focus: The primary focus is on developing oral communication skills, with an emphasis on speaking and listening.
- Vocabulary Expansion: Vocabulary is taught in context through visual aids, real-life objects, and actions, rather than through translation.
- No Translation: The target language is used exclusively in the classroom, and translation is avoided to encourage direct association between words and meaning.
- 11. There is no interference from the mother tongue. (A)
- 12. There is a direct connection with the target language (English). Learners think in the target language expression in the target language. (B)
- 13. The teaching learning process is carried out in English. (C)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Noam Chomsky's theory of Universal Grammar (UG)?
Universal Grammar is a linguistic theory proposed by Noam Chomsky, suggesting that humans are born with an innate, biological core of abstract knowledge about language form. This framework pre-specifies the rules and structures underlying all natural human languages.
What are the core principles of the Direct Method of teaching English?
The Direct Method completely avoids the use of the mother tongue (native language). The teaching process is carried out entirely in English, fostering a direct connection with the target language and encouraging learners to think and express themselves purely in English.
