Aspects of the Theory of Syntax

In 'Aspects of the Theory of Syntax,' Noam Chomsky presents a groundbreaking view on language, challenging behaviorist and structuralist models.

He argues for an innate set of linguistic principles, termed 'Universal Grammar,' which underlies all human languages.

The book introduces the concept of 'generative grammar,' where a finite set of rules can generate an infinite number of sentences.

Chomsky distinguishes between 'competence' (the speaker's knowledge of their language) and 'performance' (the actual use of language in real situations).

The work is foundational in the field of linguistics, directing research towards mentalism, nativism, and generativism, and has significant implications for psychology, cognitive science, and language acquisition.