Here's a breakdown of Chomsky's key ideas from his 1957 work *Syntactic Structures*, which influenced our understanding of language:
1. Language as a System of Rules:
- Chomsky argued that language is not simply a collection of words and sentences, but a complex system of rules that allow us to generate an infinite number of grammatical sentences.
- These rules, he called transformational grammar, govern how we combine words into meaningful phrases and sentences.
- This was a departure from the then-prevailing view of language as a set of habits learned through association.
2. The Innateness Hypothesis:
- Chomsky proposed that humans are born with an innate capacity for language, a Universal Grammar, that guides language acquisition.
- This innate faculty provides a blueprint for language, making it possible for children to learn any language with relative ease.
3. The Distinction Between Competence and Performance:
- Chomsky separated the concept of linguistic competence (the underlying knowledge of language) from linguistic performance (the actual use of language).
- This distinction highlighted that our understanding of a language is far richer than our ability to use it perfectly in every situation.
4. The Importance of Syntax:
- Chomsky emphasized the centrality of syntax in language, arguing that it's the foundation for meaning.
- He focused on how grammatical rules govern the order and relationships between words in a sentence.
In essence, Chomsky's work in 1957 provided a new framework for understanding language as a complex, rule-governed system, shaped by innate abilities and distinct from its actual use. His work continues to be influential in linguistics and cognitive science, shaping our understanding of how the human mind works.