Aspects of the Theory of Syntax [Paperback]

Noam Chomsky (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0262530074 | ISBN-13: 978-0262530071 | Publication Date: March 15, 1969

Chomsky proposes a reformulation of the theory of transformational generative grammar that takes recent developments in the descriptive analysis of particular languages into account.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Beginning in the mid-fifties and emanating largely form MIT, and approach was developed to linguistic theory and to the study of the structure of particular languages that diverges in many respects from modern linguistics. Although this approach is connected to the traditional study of languages, it differs enough in its specific conclusions about the structure and in its specific conclusions about the structure of language to warrant a name, "generative grammar."Various deficiencies have been discovered in the first attempts to formulate a theory of transformational generative grammar and in the descriptive analysis of particular languages that motivated these formulations. At the same time, it has become apparent that these formulations can be extended and deepened.The major purpose of this book is to review these developments and to propose a reformulation of the theory of transformational generative grammar that takes them into account. The emphasis in this study is syntax; semantic and phonological aspects of the language structure are discussed only insofar as they bear on syntactic theory.

"... Chomsky's ideas are not a mere rephrasing or continuation of previous linguistic theories, but constitute a truly fresh and revolutionary approach to the study of language." The Modern Language Journal

"It will inevitably dominate linguistic discussion for the next few years... and will be widely discussed... by all those concerned in any way with the investigation of language." The Philosophical Quarterly

"... the book certainly is very important and very useful, because it is not only very rich in ideas itself, but because it will also certainly stimulate research of problems which were rather neglected in the past decades." Archiv Orientaini

Product Details

• Paperback: 251 pages
• Publisher: The MIT Press (March 15, 1969)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0262530074
• ISBN-13: 978-0262530071
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.2 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.9 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #379,029 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Noam Chomsky is Institute Professor in the Department of Linguistics and Philosophy at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Boston. A member of the American Academy of Science, he has published widely in both linguistics and current affairs. His books include At War with Asia, Towards a New Cold War, Fateful Triangle: The U. S., Israel and the Palestinians, Necessary Illusions, Hegemony or Survival, Deterring Democracy, Failed States: The Abuse of Power and the Assault on Democracy and Manufacturing Consent: The Political Economy of the Mass Media.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

34 of 36 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The 60s Linguistics Nuclear-Bomb: Cannot be ignored., November 19, 2002

By A Customer

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This review is from: Aspects of the Theory of Syntax (Paperback)

Joe from Providence.
I was a linguistics student when this book came out. Students and instructors alike were baffled, spent hours trying to understand it, and loved it or berated it. But no one could remain neutral about Chomsky's Theory of Syntax.
Many years after graduate courses in different linguistic grammars, I picked it up again, and it is a comparatively easy read for present or former lingusitics students.
The initial problem readers encountered was Chomsky's presupposition of a wide knowledge of all aspects of linguistics (and some major theories of learning behavior)-- he presupposes that you have grasped the sources that he either is reacting to or revising: What came before is what forced Chomsky to begin creating his theory of syntax. This is NOT like his later books: this IS syntax, the "technical kind." And that is partially what makes the book so important.

Regardless of your opinion or reaction to this book: NO ONE CAN IGNORE IT, or its effect on linguistics after its publication.

IT IS NOT SUFFICIENT TO READ 'WHAT SOMEONE SAYS CHOMSKY SAID.' Read the original.

44 of 49 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The classic work of modern linguistic theory. a must-read, April 25, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Aspects of the Theory of Syntax (Paperback)

Aspects of the Theory of Syntax is the work in which Noam Chomsky first makes known his controversial theories of language. The follow up to his primary work, Syntactic Structures, this work includes the introduction of such concepts as Deep Structure, Universal Grammar, and makes clear the realtionship between grammar and meaning. This is also the work which sparked the "generative semantics" debate that charged all through the 1970's. If you are a linguist, you must read this book. The theory may be outdated, but the history is the real importance. Besides, it's written by Chomsky, so the language is sure to be as powerful as it is clear and concise!

20 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars elegant, March 20, 2002

By 

Alistair M. Isaac (Houston, TX USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Aspects of the Theory of Syntax (Paperback)

I agree the one star review below is confusing, especially since, if this book is to be attacked, it should be on the basis of the ideas, not the organization. In fact, I think Chomsky's work represents some of the most concise, elegant, and well formulated academic writing I've ever come across; for that reason alone, this book is a classic in the genre. Of course there are certain assumptions on which his theory rests which have since been discredited, but this book is still influential, even within competing linguistic theories, and is very important from a historical perspective. Be forewarned, the text is extremely dense and slow going.