[Mr. Mulliner]

It's not really that simple. Perhaps someone thought they had it figured out based on seeing some of his "tree diagrams" which were used to illustrate his earlier "Transformational Grammar," but I wouldn't characterize his stuff as simple.

Interestingly, Transformational Grammar, which really made Chomsky the best known linguist in the world, was later scrapped after criticism finally caused it to sort of crumble. But Chomsky put himself back on top with a new theory called "Government Binding Theory." It has nothing to do with politics.

Because Chomsky is so prominent in linguistics, he's also a favorite target. Many people have made a career out of opposing him and trying to win against him. He's so dominant in the field of linguistics, though, that even if someone outdid him in theory, few people would acknowledge it.

By the way, Chomsky is often asked, or used to be, to lecture on mathematics. I am told that there is even a branch of mathematics named after him.

[AmishDude]

By the way, Chomsky is often asked, or used to be, to lecture on mathematics. I am told that there is even a branch of mathematics named after him.

Don't believe it. I've never heard of such a thing. Thanks for the info.

[js1138]

Chomsky is so prominent in linguistics, he's also a favorite target. Many people have made a career out of opposing him and trying to win against him.

I hope so. I consider his contribution to linguistics equal to Lysneko's contribution to genetics. Perhaps when he is dead some progress will be made.

[jjm2111]

I've always been a conservative but I've leafed through some of Noam's books in bookstores for sits and grins. For someone who is such a talented "linguist" he can't write for poo-poo. I don't just mean his far lefty views either. The man always uses 25 words when 2 would suffice. He really overuses esoteric words to make himself seem smart.