Generative Syntax is a theory in linguistics that focuses on the structure of sentences. It was developed by Noam Chomsky in the 1950s and aims to explain how humans can produce and understand an infinite number of sentences using a limited set of rules. This approach emphasizes the underlying grammatical structures that govern language.
The theory posits that all languages share a common structural foundation, known as Universal Grammar. This means that despite the differences in languages, there are fundamental principles that guide sentence formation. Generative Syntax helps linguists analyze and compare various languages, enhancing our understanding of human language capabilities.