Why Chomskyan Linguistics Has Power

Martin (1992: 541-2):

Note that this taxonomy [Fig. 7.18 Superordination taxonomy for theories of language] is uninflected for power, which rests for obvious reasons with theories that naturalise discourses of ethnicity, gender, generation and class by positing an arbitrary relation between form and meaning, thereby rendering language a transparent conduit through which these discourses are poured.

Blogger Comments:

The claim here is that:

1. Chomskyan Linguistics has power over other theories;
2. Chomskyan Linguistics naturalises discourses of ethnicity, gender, generation and class;
3. the means of this naturalisation is the construal of the relation between syntax and semantics as arbitrary;
4. the result of this naturalisation by such means is that language is construed as a transparent conduit through which these naturalised discourses are poured;
5. the reason why this should confer power on Chomskyan Linguistics is obvious.

a		= b
Note	[[that this taxonomy is uninflected for power]]	which (power)	rests	for obvious reasons	with	theories [[[that naturalise discourses of ethnicity, gender, generation and class || by positing an arbitrary relation between form and meaning, || thereby rendering language a transparent conduit [[through which these discourses are poured]] ]]]]
Process: mental	Phenomenon: fact	Attribute: possession	Pro-	Cause	-cess	Carrier: possessor

a				x b manner				x c result
that (theories)	naturalise		discourses of ethnicity, gender, generation and class	by	positing	an arbitrary relation	between form and meaning	thereby	rendering	language	a transparent conduit [[through which these discourses are poured]]
Attributor	Process	Attribute	Carrier		Process	Goal	Location		Process	Token	Value