A guide to both Noam Chomsky's work in linguistics and his politics. It deals with his theory of the structure of language, the transformational generative grammar, as well as his opposition to the Vietnam War, which he attacked through his work American Power and the New Mandarins.
This is a practical guide to the issues and methods associated with text and discourse analysis. It examines a variety of authentic texts, news stories, adverts, novels, official forms, and instruction manuals. It aims to provide a hands-on guide to this important area of language study.
An outspoken activist for social change, Noam Chomsky is a polarizing figure, celebrated by supporters and criticized by detractors. His scholarly contributions are both highly regarded and often misinterpreted, reflecting the complexities of his ideas and their impact on contemporary discourse. This book explores the nuances of his work and the varied responses it elicits from different audiences.
Focusing on Chomsky's approach to linguistics, the book explores his goal of establishing linguistics as a scientific discipline. It delves into the implications of his theories for philosophy and psychology, while addressing the main critiques of his views. Additionally, it highlights key themes in Chomsky's political writings and his libertarian socialist beliefs. By examining his concepts of human nature and freedom, the author connects the linguistic and political dimensions of Chomsky's work, suggesting that both areas offer valuable insights for further exploration.