NYSTCE English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Practice Test

Which concept revolutionized language study by focusing on structural rules?

1. Behaviorist theory

2. Transformational grammar

3. Communicative competence

4. Sociolinguistics

The correct answer is: Transformational grammar

Transformational grammar is recognized for revolutionizing language study by emphasizing the underlying structural rules that govern the formation of sentences. Introduced by Noam Chomsky in the 1950s, this concept shifted the focus of linguistics from behavioral aspects, such as imitation and reinforcement, to the cognitive processes involved in language acquisition and use. Transformational grammar posits that language has inherent structures that can be transformed through specific grammatical rules, allowing for the generation of an infinite number of sentences from a finite set of elements. This approach has led to a deeper understanding of syntax and the ways in which human beings process and produce language. It highlighted the importance of internalized knowledge rather than simply observable behavior, marking a significant departure from earlier language studies that did not consider the cognitive aspects of language learning. The other concepts, while significant in their own rights, do not primarily focus on structural rules. Behaviorist theory addresses language learning in terms of habits formed through stimuli and responses. Communicative competence expands on the concept of language use in social contexts, and sociolinguistics examines the relationship between language and social factors. However, none of these prioritize the formal structures of language in the way that transformational grammar does.