Which theory posits universal principles and language-specific parameters that vary within limits?

• A. Universal Grammar
• B. Innatist theory of LA
• C. Cognitive-developmentalist theory of LA
• D. Acquisition-Learning Hypothesis

Answer: (A)

Universal Grammar posits that all human languages share a set of universal principles while allowing language-specific parameters that can be set differently across languages, within certain limits. This means there are deep constraints on possible structures that all languages follow, and the variation we see between languages comes from adjustable settings within those constraints. Children leverage exposed language input to configure these parameters, guided by the universal blueprint the brain provides.

The other theories don’t capture that combination of universal constraints with adjustable, language-specific settings. The innatist view centers on innate knowledge, but the specific idea of parameter settings that vary by language is a hallmark of Universal Grammar. Cognitive-developmental accounts emphasize general cognitive growth rather than language-specific universals, and the Acquisition-Learning distinction describes two routes to knowledge without invoking a universal-constraint framework or parameter variation.