Chomsky theory: an introduction refutes structuralism, taxonomy(Harris, Bloomfield refutes behaviorism (Skinner, Osgood continues tradition of Descartes(Dualism language acquisition is determined by a LAd (language acquisition device)on the basis of a UG the lad is a mental organ theory is primary, data is secondary ofor cognition and language the computer metaphor applies
Chomsky theory: an introduction • refutes structuralism, taxonomy (Harris, Bloomfield) • refutes behaviorism (Skinner, Osgood) • continues tradition of Descartes (Dualism) • language acquisition is determined by a LAD (language acquisition device) on the basis of a UG •the LAD is a mental organ •theory is primary, data is secondary •for cognition and language the computer metaphor applies
Chomsky theory: an introduction 1957 Syntactic Structures set of kernel sentences generate all possible sentences of a language kernel> transformation rules> final phrases a purely syntactic theory transformations are algorithmic procedures Colorless green ideas sleep furiously
Chomsky theory: an introduction 1957 “Syntactic Structures” • set of kernel sentences generate all possible sentences of a language kernel → transformation rules → final phrases - a purely syntactic theory - transformations are algorithmic procedures - "Colorless green ideas sleep furiously
Chomsky theory: an introduction 1965"Aspects of the theory of syntax so-called Standard Theory (ST) involves phonology, semantics Deep structures> Surface structures (semantics) (phonology) TWo subfields emerge 1. Generative semantics(Katz, Postal) 2. Extended Standard Theory(EST) (Chomsky, Jackendoff, 1972)
Chomsky theory: an introduction 1965 “Aspects of the theory of syntax” • so-called Standard Theory (ST) • involves phonology, semantics Deep structures → Surface structures (semantics) (phonology) Two subfields emerge: 1. Generative semantics (Katz, Postal) 2. Extended Standard Theory (EST) (Chomsky, Jackendoff, 1972)
Chomsky theory: an introduction 1. Generative semantics extends transformations 2. EST constrains transformations EST led to Revised EXtended Standard Theory (REST)(1973) modular separates syntax, semantics only transformation left: move-a
Chomsky theory: an introduction 1. Generative semantics: extends transformations 2. EST constrains transformations • EST led to Revised Extended Standard Theory (REST) (1973) -modular -separates syntax, semantics -only transformation left: move-
Chomsky theory: an introduction Further developments Rules and Representations(1981) introduces principles& parameters slot> filler principles Government and Binding Theory(1981) Minimalist Program(1993)
Chomsky theory: an introduction Further developments “Rules and Representations” (1981) • introduces principles & parameters • slot → filler principles Government and Binding Theory (1981) Minimalist Program (1993)