

Aspects of the Theory of Syntax by Noam Chomsky
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Aspects of the Theory of Syntax by Noam Chomsky is a landmark work in the field of linguistics, first published in 1965. In this influential book, Chomsky advances his theory of transformational-generative grammar, fundamentally reshaping the study of language and laying the groundwork for modern theoretical linguistics. He explores the nature of syntactic structures in human language, proposing that underlying grammatical systems are governed by a set of universal principles innate to the human mind. Chomsky introduces key concepts such as deep structure and surface structure, arguing that linguistic competence—our innate knowledge of language—enables us to generate an infinite number of sentences from a finite set of rules. The book also delves into the distinction between competence (the speaker's internal knowledge of language) and performance (the actual use of language in communication). Aspects of the Theory of Syntax is considered one of Chomsky's most important contributions, influencing not only linguistics but also cognitive science, psychology, and philosophy. Its revolutionary ideas continue to shape discussions on the nature of language, the mind, and the human capacity for communication.