Which theory claims that every speaker knows universal principles and language-specific parameters vary within limits?

• A. Universal Grammar
• B. Structuralism
• C. Behaviorism
• D. Functionalism

Answer: (A)

Innate linguistic knowledge with a shared blueprint across all languages is what this idea centers on. Universal Grammar claims that every language is governed by universal principles, and the differences we hear between languages come from language-specific parameter settings that can vary only within fixed limits. A child is exposed to language and, by setting these parameters within the universal framework, quickly arrives at the correct grammar for their language. This explains both the commonalities found across languages and the systematic ways they differ.

Other theories don’t propose this kind of universal set of principles plus bounded variation. Structuralism focuses on how language is organized into structures and relationships, rather than positing a universal blueprint that all languages share. Behaviorism explains language learning as a process of conditioning and habit formation, not as setting universal principles. Functionalism emphasizes language use and communication in social contexts, rather than innate universal grammar constraints.