Noam Chomsky: Defining Problems in Contemporary Linguistics
Rc-Jubail Industrial College, Saudi Arabia
ABSTRACT
Chomsky has provided new methods of analyzing the problems in linguistics by delineating the necessity of transformations following the outlines of grammar, in order to generate sentences. This approach of Chomsky is in tune with his assertion that on the basis of the available resources of a language any number of sentences can be generated in appropriate tiers indicating the growing capacity and richness of language expressions. From the basic phonetic level, language will emerge into higher and higher levels of expression in words, phrases and sentences in manifold combinations, and this development has been analyzed through the mathematical procedures and rationalism by Chomsky. This task is as innovative as it is complex. The new trend in linguistics cannot be dissociated from its impact on social sciences. That the language prevalent in the community or country, reflect the fundamentals of grammar, similar to which are also present in other languages, has to be taken note of by the linguistic analysts according to Chomsky. He has maintained that languages share common tendencies and patterns, and the linguist has to identify the forms and related aspects unfolding the process of unlimited language expressions. This paper presents a brief introduction to Chomsky’s approach toward linguistics.
KEYWORDS
Internalized language (I language), externalized language (E language), cognitive, biological, grammars, universal grammar, formal language, natural language