Professor Noam Chomsky, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
Guest lecturer at the University of Washington
Key Topics Discussed
Language Differences and Similarities
Assumptions about language difference (e.g., French vs. German)
French shares features with Germanic languages:
Subject Deletion: French cannot delete the subject in sentences (unlike other Romance languages)
Attachment of Small Pronouns: French uses different constructions than other Romance languages
Historical changes in French:
Old/Middle French was more similar to other Romance languages
Changes led to a divergence from Romance languages
Language Change Over Time
Language change is complex:
There’s no single national language; dialects often vary significantly
Differences emerge due to factors like conquest, political change, and commerce
Changes are cumulative and can lead to dramatic shifts over generations
Predicting language evolution:
Impossible to predict long-term language changes
Factors may be deterministic but complex
National Languages and Dialects
National languages are a modern phenomenon linked to nationalism and communication
Many regions have multiple dialects that may not be mutually intelligible
Example: Differences within German and Italian dialects
English is relatively homogeneous compared to other languages
Language Purity and Linguistic Prestige
Myth of language purity:
Every national language creates a narrative of purity and corruption
Example: French considered "pure" compared to other languages
Social and political structures impact language prestige:
Language prestige can shift based on power dynamics
Grammar and Language Learning
Many rules taught in school may not reflect natural language use
Literary standards are learned, not innate
Some rules may be artificial or not applicable to actual speech
Teaching language can distort natural language acquisition
Role of Pronunciation and Intonation
Understanding involves more than just words; pronunciation is crucial
Different dialects can create barriers to understanding
Slang and Innovation in Language
Slang reflects creativity and identity, especially among youth
Language innovation is common in different cultures, including indigenous groups
Language in Arts and Communication
Language conventions exist in literature and poetry due to aesthetic and human capacities
Human nature influences both language structure and humor
Humor and language are interrelated but distinct; humor does not strictly require language
Parenting and Language Development
Children typically learn the language of their peers naturally
Exposure to diverse language aspects may enrich language development
Children show remarkable ability to learn vocabulary quickly
Example: Learning words on first exposure
Conclusion
Fascination with language remains despite complexities in study and comprehension
Understanding the intricacies of human language is an ongoing challenge
Additional Notes
The discussion emphasized the interplay of social, political, and cultural factors in language evolution and development. Chomsky encouraged a perspective recognizing the richness and variability of languages globally.