Noam Chomsky’s Paradigm Shift: A Review of 'New Horizons in the Study of Language and Mind'

Year 2024, Volume: 1 Issue: 1, 1 - 6, 30.06.2024

Süleyman Başaran

Abstract

Noam Chomsky'nin Paradigma Değişimi: 'Dil ve Biliş Çalışmalarında Yeni Ufuklar' Üzerine Bir İnceleme

Abstract

This book review critically examines Noam Chomsky's "New Horizons in the Study of Language and Mind," a collection of essays that delve into the intricate relationship between language and cognitive processes. Chomsky, a seminal figure in linguistics and cognitive science, presents a series of thought-provoking arguments that challenge traditional paradigms and offer new insights into the nature of linguistic knowledge and language acquisition. The review explores the book's main themes, including the mechanisms underlying language learning, the structure of linguistic knowledge, and the philosophical implications of language as a cognitive function. By evaluating Chomsky's methodologies and the evidence he presents, this review highlights the strengths and potential limitations of his arguments. Furthermore, the review discusses the broader contributions of "New Horizons" to the fields of linguistics and cognitive science, emphasizing its significance for researchers, educators, and students. Chomsky's work not only advances theoretical frameworks but also provides practical implications for the study of language and mind. This review aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the book, assessing its impact on contemporary linguistic research and its relevance for ongoing scholarly debates. Through this evaluation, the review underscores the enduring importance of Chomsky's contributions to our understanding of language and cognition.

Keywords

Language, Linguistics, New Horizons

References

• Chomsky, N. (1957). Syntactic structures. Mouton. Chomsky, N. (2000). New horizons in the study of language and mind. Cambridge University Press. Elman, J. L., Bates, E. A., Johnson, M. H., Karmiloff-Smith, A., Parisi, D., & Plunkett, K. (1996). Rethinking innateness: A connectionist perspective on development. MIT Press. Smith, N. (2004). Chomsky: Ideas and ideals. Cambridge University Press. Tomasello, M. (2003). Constructing a language: A usage-based theory of language acquisition. Harvard University Press.