Syntactic Structures
Syntactic Structures
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2002
Book Brief
Beta135
Book • Nonfiction
1950s
2002
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In Syntactic Structures, Noam Chomsky presents a revolutionary theory of syntax, introducing transformational-generative grammar. The work explores the idea that humans possess an innate linguistic competence, allowing for the generation of an infinite number of sentences from a finite set of rules. This landmark text fundamentally reshapes the study of linguistics.
Informative
Challenging
Contemplative
Reviews & Readership
1,001 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Syntactic Structures by Noam Chomsky revolutionizes linguistic theory with its formal grammar approach, highlighting the generative power of language. Positively, it's praised for advancing syntax understanding. However, criticisms focus on its abstract nature and limited practical application. Overall, it remains foundational, sparking enduring linguistic debates.
Who Should Read Syntactic Structures?
An ideal reader for Noam Chomsky's Syntactic Structures is a linguistics enthusiast interested in transformational grammar theory. Similar to readers of Ferdinand de Saussure's Course in General Linguistics and Steven Pinker's The Language Instinct, this audience appreciates foundational texts in language theory and cognitive science.
1,001 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
135
Book • Nonfiction
1950s
2002
Adult
18+ years
We’re just getting started
Add this title to our list of requested Study Guides!