
linguistic universals
Linguistic universals are features or patterns that are found in all human languages, regardless of where they are spoken. They reflect common aspects of how humans communicate, such as the use of nouns and verbs or the ability to form questions. These universals suggest that, despite diversity, all languages share fundamental principles shaped by our common cognitive and social needs. Studying them helps linguists understand what makes human language unique and how language evolved across different cultures and communities.