Elementos de lingüística generativa.

Abstract

The aim is to present, by way of introduction, the principles that govern the description and explanation of the nature and structure of language, in accordance with the concept of transformative generative grammar, in its semantic current. Although there is no rigid body of doctrine, and that in this vision of language, as in the multiple and heterogeneous conceptions of language, there are many differences and nuances, we wish to point out those aspects that in our particular judgment are either the most important or may be the most useful for future teachers of our mother tongue. The Elements of Generative Linguistics is a justification for the study of Linguistic Science in the curriculum of the programs or careers of Languages and Human Sciences. Language is defined as the object of linguistics, through the characteristics that are specific to it and that allow it to be distinguished from other means or systems of human and non-human communication. The different roles that language plays in society are analyzed. The principles and methods of transformative generative linguistics are shown, always with a view to determining boundaries and areas with other conceptions of language, especially its relationship to structuralism. Also, it is intended to answer the question: What kinds of knowledge about their language, allow speakers of the language to communicate? Following the exhibition, this knowledge is grouped into three components: semantic, syntactic and phonological; presented in this order. It deals with language acquisition, the diversity of linguistic uses and the comparative method; the first two are related to the other two tasks that have been imposed to explain transformational generative linguistics: the study of linguistic performance and the problem of the ontogenesis of language. On the other hand, the relationships between languages are examined and it is concluded with a classification and location of the aboriginal languages of Colombia.