The Minimalist Program, developed by Noam Chomsky, is a theoretical framework in linguistics that seeks to explain language using the simplest and most economical principles. It posits that the human language faculty is optimally designed, with the aim of reducing linguistic theory to its most essential elements while maintaining explanatory power.

Minimalist Program

theoretical framework in linguistics

explain language

simplest and most economical principles

human language faculty

optimally designed

Linguistic theory is the systematic study of language structure and function, aiming to describe and explain the nature of human language. It encompasses various frameworks and models that address phonetics, syntax, semantics, and pragmatics, seeking to understand how languages are constructed and how they evolve over time.

linguistic theory

Essential elements are the most important parts of something that make it work or make it what it is. Just like how a cake needs flour, eggs, and sugar to be a cake, everything has special parts it needs to be complete.

essential elements

Explanatory power refers to the ability of a hypothesis or theory to effectively explain the subject matter it pertains to, often evaluated by its simplicity, coherence, and scope. A theory with high explanatory power not only accounts for the known data but also predicts new phenomena and integrates well with existing knowledge.

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