Universalism (Linguistics)

Universalism in linguistics is the idea that all human languages share some common features or principles, rooted in the biological capacity for language. It suggests that certain grammatical structures or language rules are universal, found across all languages despite their differences. This concept helps linguists understand that, beneath surface diversity, languages are fundamentally connected, reflecting innate cognitive abilities. Universalism guides research in comparing languages and identifying core elements of human language, emphasizing shared human traits rather than viewing languages as completely separate or unique systems.