Noam Chomsky's Universal Grammar (UG) is a linguistic theory that suggests the existence of innate, universal principles and structures underlying all human languages. According to Chomsky, humans are born with an inherent knowledge of grammar, which allows them to acquire and understand language effortlessly. This theory has been influential in the field of linguistics since the 1950s.

Chomsky argues that UG consists of a set of grammatical rules and principles that are common to all languages. These rules form the basis for language acquisition and enable children to learn any language they are exposed to. He believes that the human brain possesses a "language acquisition device" (LAD), which contains UG and facilitates language learning.

One of the key aspects of UG is the notion of transformational grammar, which proposes that sentences can be transformed into different forms while retaining their underlying meaning. For example, the sentence "The cat chased the mouse" can be transformed into "The mouse was chased by the cat" without changing the core meaning.

Critics of UG argue that it overemphasizes the role of innate knowledge and underestimates the influence of environmental factors in language acquisition. They suggest that language learning is more influenced by social interaction, cultural context, and exposure to language input rather than innate structures. Additionally, some linguists argue that UG fails to explain the vast diversity of languages and the variations within a single language.

In the context of the movie "Arrival," which explores the concept of alien language and communication, Chomsky's UG theory can be rejected. The movie presents a scenario where humans struggle to understand the language of extraterrestrial beings, known as Heptapods. The Heptapod language is non-linear and written in complex circular symbols.

In this fictional context, UG would not adequately explain the language acquisition process. The Heptapod language is fundamentally different from human languages, challenging the idea of universal grammatical structures. The movie suggests that understanding the Heptapod language requires a shift in perception and a deep understanding of time and non-linear thinking.

The film aligns more with the criticisms of UG, as it highlights the importance of environmental factors, cultural context, and unique linguistic systems in language acquisition and understanding. It challenges the notion that all languages share a common underlying structure and suggests that language can be shaped by unique experiences and perspectives.

In conclusion, while Noam Chomsky's Universal Grammar theory has been influential in linguistics, it is not applicable to the context of the movie "Arrival." The film presents a scenario where language defies traditional grammatical structures, emphasizing the role of environment and unique linguistic systems in understanding and acquiring language.