QuoteProject
As Bromberger observed, rules are understood to be elements of the computational systems that determine the sound and meaning of the infinite array of expressions of a language; the information so derived is accessed by other systems in language use.
Noam Chomsky
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

This quote highlights the role of rules in language systems that shape communication and meaning.

Noam Chomsky's observation emphasizes that language is governed by rules, which are essential for deciphering the structure and significance of an endless variety of expressions. These rules are not just abstract concepts; they interact with various systems to facilitate effective communication and access to information within language use.

Themes

LanguageRulesCommunicationMeaningSystems

In practice

Example use cases

In a linguistics class discussing how language structure impacts meaning.

More from Noam Chomsky

There is no plausible theory under which the record of the Pentagon Papers can be interpreted as relating to the national defense.
Noam ChomskyRead
The 'free-floating intellectual' may occupy himself with problems because of their inherent interest and importance, perhaps to little effect.
Noam ChomskyRead
If you're teaching today what you were teaching five years ago, either the field is dead or you are.
Noam ChomskyRead
There are very few people who are going to look into the mirror and say, 'That person I see is a savage monster;' instead, they make up some construction that justifies what they do.
Noam ChomskyRead
The Republican Party has become overwhelmingly so extreme that it's hardly a traditional political party anymore.
Noam ChomskyRead
There is still much debate about whether torture has been effective in eliciting information - the assumption being, apparently, that if it is effective, then it may be justified.
Noam ChomskyRead

Similar quotes

When I was growing up, my parents told me, 'Finish your dinner. People in China and India are starving.' I tell my daughters, 'Finish your homework. People in India and China are starving for your job.'
Thomas FriedmanRead
When I consider what some books have done for the world, and what they are doing, how they keep up our hope, awaken new courage and faith, soothe pain, give an ideal life those whose hours are cold and hard, bind together distant ages and foreign lands, create new worlds of beauty, bring down truth from heaven; I give eternal blessings for this gift, and thank God for books.
James Freeman ClarkeRead
So few grow, because so few study.
Dwight L. MoodyRead
The greatest obstacle to those who hope to reform American education is complacency.
Diane RavitchRead
Regardless of zip code, talent and IQ are evenly distributed, so we need to make sure that opportunity is evenly distributed, too.
Laurene Powell JobsRead
School houses do not teach themselves - piles of brick and mortar and machinery do not send out men. It is the trained, living human soul, cultivated and strengthened by long study and thought, that breathes the real breath of life into boys and girls and makes them human, whether they be black or white, Greek, Russian or American.
W. E. B. Du BoisRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.