Some problems with research in Chomskyan linguistics as applied to ELT

Abstract

After discussing some of the most important reasons for conducting ELT research, the argument is made that the conflict between the "hard" sciences" and the humanities which has been a polarizing influence in ELT as it discourages many potential researchers from undertaking research when they think they must have mathematical models and use often opaque terminology. The argument is made that much in the "scientific" paradigm as it has been applied to language research is faulty. This claim is illustrated by looking at several issues raised by the Chomskyan claims to being scientific researchers. Several pitfalls or problems are identified that may warn a future researcher about the dangers of trying to be too much like a physics or chemistry researcher in what is actually a humanities-based discipline.