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Chomsky: Brief Overview
Noam Chomsky is one of the most cited scholars in modern day history. Each of his works have added groundbreaking contributions to each field. Chomsky developed generative grammar (describes human language in terms of a set of logical rules as to generate an infinite number of possible sentences) and universal grammar (genetic theory that is innate to humans). -
Noam Chomsky Birth
Famed scholar, anti-war activist, journalist, and philosopher Noam Chomsky was born on December 7, 1928 in East Oak Lane, Philadelphia, PA. Currently, he is 90 years old and still contributing to our literary society. -
Early Years and First Book: Syntactic Structures
After graduating in 1949 from U Penn with an undergrad in linguistics, a masters in 1951 and a doctorate in 1955, Chomsky then moved on to become a faculty member at MIT where he published his first work “Syntactic Structures”. At the time, his theory of inherent language was controversial due to research inspired by behaviorists such as B.F. Skinner and other scientist who prescribed to the ideology that language acquired by children was learned or mimicked. -
Chomsky Hierarchy
The Chomsky hierarchy-pertaining to computer science- is a containment hierarchy of classes of formal grammars where they are divided into 4 types: Type 0- known as unrestricted grammar (all formal grammars) Type 1- known as contextual sensitive grammar,Type 2- known as context of free grammar (context free language), Type 3- Regular grammar (most restricted). -
Theory of Universal Grammar
Noam Chomsky is one of my personal heroes. Chomsky is a linguist who revolutionized cognitive science with his Theory of Universal Grammar stating a genetic component of language is innate to humans and independent of sensory experience. His theory explains that language and grammar is hardwired into our brains from birth and that we are born with the understanding that language is a naturally acquired and biologically based ability. -
Early Theories
Chomsky rejected the belief that linguistic traits were learned and in 1965 established his theory with “Aspects of the Theory of Syntax”, and in 1975, with “The Logical Structure of Linguistic Theory”. His claims were supported by his later works. -
Chomsky on Politics
Chomsky has been critical of our mass media, capitalism and its corrupt political powers, US foreign policies, foreign wars, the concentration of wealth and the demise of democracy in the US. Chomsky argues the idea of “Rogue States” and our desire to overthrow weaker countries. As well, he condemns our implementations of sanctions in a “free market”. In his latest book, Who Rules the World, Chomsky illustrates the perils of valuing perils over democracy and human rights. -
Requiem For The American Dream
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Chomsky Best Speech 2018
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Key Works
Chomsky, Noam. Aspects of the Theory of Syntax, Cambridge: M.I.T. Press, 1965.
Chomsky, Noam. American Power and the New Mandarins. 1969
Chomsky, Noam. The Minimalist Program, Cambridge, MA: M.I.T. Press, 1995.
Chomsky, Noam. Aspects of the Theory of Syntax, Cambridge: M.I.T. Press, 1965.
Chomsky, Noam. 9-11: Was there an Alternative? (New Edition), New York: Seven Stories Press, September 2011.