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History and Philosophy of the Language Sciences

Podcast episode 42: Randy Harris on the Linguistics Wars

Oct 31, 2024
In this engaging discussion, Randy Harris, a professor at the University of Waterloo and author of 'The Linguistics Wars,' delves into the intense controversies of 1960s and 70s American linguistics. He shares insights on the rivalry between Noam Chomsky and George Lakoff, exploring foundational theories like deep structure and generative semantics. The conversation also highlights the emotional complexities behind scientific debates and the evolution of cognitive linguistics, showcasing how these conflicts shaped the discourse in modern linguistic theory.
30:48

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The Linguistics Wars showcased a pivotal clash between Chomsky's transformational frameworks and generative semanticists, reshaping linguistic theories and methodologies.
  • The evolution of linguistic perspectives post-wars led to broader acceptance of pragmatic approaches and highlighted the contributions of female scholars like Robin Lakoff.

Deep dives

The Linguistics Wars: An Overview

The Linguistics Wars, a significant conflict in generative linguistics during the 1960s and 70s, involved key figures such as Noam Chomsky and the generative semanticists including George Lakoff and Paul Postal. This dispute centered on deep structure semantics, where Chomsky proposed a model suggesting deep structures generated surface structures through transformations. Meanwhile, generative semanticists argued that deep structure could be enriched with meaning, challenging Chomsky’s framework. The engagement between these scholars revealed deep-seated rivalries and discord, with passionate debates that ultimately influenced the trajectory of linguistic theory.

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