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

Journalism still, in a democracy, is the essential force to get the public educated and mobilized to take action on behalf of our ancient ideals.
Doris Kearns GoodwinRead
I think of reading like a balanced diet; if your sentences are too baggy, too baroque, cut back on fatty Foster Wallace, say, and pick up Kafka as roughage.
Zadie SmithRead
No one can say just how long a message should be, but you rarely hear complaints about a speech being too short. The amateur worries about what he is going to put in his speech or article. The expert worries about what he should take out.
Edgar DaleRead
We Americans are the best informed people on earth as to the events of the last twenty-four hours; we are the not the best informed as the events of the last sixty centuries.
Will DurantRead
One can learn anything, anything at all, I thought, if provided by a gifted and passionate teacher.
Pat ConroyRead
And if we must educate our poets and artists in science, we must educate our masters, labour and capital, in art.
John B. S. HaldaneRead

A little wisdom, now and then

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