Community Reviews

Rating(4.2 / 5.0, 53 votes)
5 stars
27(51%)
4 stars
12(23%)
3 stars
14(26%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
0(0%)
53 reviews
July 15,2025
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Three and a half.

I truly appreciate the introduction provided regarding Chomsky's ideas about generative grammar and universal grammar.

The man is indeed a legend in the field of linguistics. His remarkable and brilliant insights have played a crucial role in leading to the development of the field of evolutionary psychology, which I happened to discover recently.

Nevertheless, these texts have their drawbacks. They are rather uneven, lacking clear connectors. There is no smooth transition from Chomsky's political ideas to his broad linguistic theories, then to specific examples of potential universal grammatical frames, and finally to detailed defenses of his theories and responses to challengers in the field.

Essentially, I am still not quite certain about the scope or the intended audience for this book. Although I do appreciate many of the valuable insights it contains, the lack of clear organization and connection makes it a bit difficult to fully understand and engage with.

Overall, while there is much to admire in the ideas presented, the book could benefit from a more coherent and structured presentation.
July 15,2025
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I had high hopes for a book that would be more accessible to a layperson like myself. However, to be honest, I found it quite challenging. Perhaps this is partly due to the fact that English is not my native language, and I am not as familiar with the linguistic terms used in English.


Moreover, I believe that the organization of the book is also an issue. The first part, which consists of an interview, seems to be targeted at readers who already have at least some understanding of linguistic theories and concepts. On the other hand, the second part of the book appears to be more straightforward and easier to understand for those who lack that prior knowledge.


It gives the impression that the order of these two parts should be reversed. This would make the book more logical and user-friendly, allowing readers to build a foundation of knowledge before delving into more complex topics.

July 15,2025
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I absolutely, positively LOVE LOVE LOVE this book!

It has captured my heart and imagination like no other. The story is so engaging and the characters are so vivid that I find myself completely immersed in their world every time I pick up the book.

I can't wait to share my love for this book with others. If you want to know why I love it so much, don't hesitate to email me =). I would be more than happy to tell you all about it and convince you to give it a try.

Trust me, once you start reading this book, you won't be able to put it down. It's that good!
July 15,2025
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**Original Article**: The importance of exercise cannot be overemphasized. It keeps our bodies healthy and strong. We should make it a habit to exercise regularly.

**Expanded Article**:

The significance of exercise truly cannot be overstated.

Exercise plays a crucial role in maintaining the well-being of our bodies. It is not just about looking good, but more importantly, it keeps us healthy and strong from the inside out.

When we exercise regularly, our muscles become more toned, our cardiovascular system functions better, and our overall energy levels increase.

It also helps in reducing the risk of various diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity.

Therefore, we should make it a habit to engage in some form of physical activity on a regular basis. Whether it's going for a jog, hitting the gym, or simply taking a brisk walk, every little bit counts.

By making exercise a part of our daily routine, we are investing in our long-term health and happiness.
July 15,2025
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You realize his bread and butter is linguistics, right?

He is truly great and this is amazing.

Even if you just have a passing interest, this is a seminal work.

It doesn't mean you have to read it in its entirety.

However, at least use this as a reference.

Linguistics is a fascinating field, and his work in this area is highly regarded.

It offers valuable insights and contributions that can enhance our understanding of language.

Whether you are a linguistics enthusiast or simply curious about the subject, this work has something to offer.

By using it as a reference, you can gain a better perspective and perhaps even discover new areas of interest within the field of linguistics.

So, don't be intimidated by the thought of reading the entire work.

Just dip in and explore the parts that catch your attention, and let the knowledge and ideas within inspire you.

July 15,2025
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My four-star review in no way impugns this work by Chomsky.

It is indeed a remarkable piece that contains many interesting ideas, as is typical of Chomsky's works.

He has presented and explained his ideas with great clarity, such that even a layperson like myself was able to start grasping some of the basics of his theory of universal grammar.

This is no small feat, as his theories are often complex and深奥.

However, as a layperson, reading this work was also a bit of a slog.

I had to really concentrate and push myself to get through it.

The concepts were not always easy to understand, and there were times when I had to re-read certain passages several times to fully comprehend what was being said.

Nevertheless, I am glad that I took the time to read this work, as it has given me a greater appreciation for Chomsky's ideas and the field of linguistics in general.

Overall, I would highly recommend this work to anyone interested in linguistics or cognitive science.
July 15,2025
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When all the partisan shouting about Chomsky as traitor/radical/anti-Semite/etc. has died down, he'll still be the foremost linguistic philosopher of our age. His contributions to the field of linguistics are truly remarkable.

Chomsky's ideas have had a profound impact on our understanding of language and its acquisition. This collection contains his most important work not aimed exclusively at an academic readership.

It allows a wider audience to access and appreciate his insights. Through his writings, Chomsky challenges conventional wisdom and encourages us to think critically about language and its role in society.

Whether you are a linguist, a philosopher, or simply someone interested in language, this collection is a must-read. It offers a unique perspective on the nature of language and its relationship to human thought and behavior.

As we move forward in the 21st century, Chomsky's work will continue to be relevant and influential. It serves as a reminder that language is not just a means of communication, but a powerful tool for shaping our understanding of the world around us.

July 15,2025
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Perhaps this simply doesn't function well as an audiobook.

I have the feeling that the physics envy - like overmathematicization of what could be rather simple and relatable anecdotes (for instance, the anecdote about how the scientist undertakes the research of the question) diminishes the presentation of ideas.

Moreover, when he contends against various critics, he somewhat leaps into the fray without much introduction and actual summary of what the criticisms were initially.

Consequently, you have to go and search for the specific works/people mentioned unless you possess an excessive amount of pre-existing knowledge regarding the specific details of his previous books.

If you did have that much knowledge, it would sort of defeat the purpose of reading this book in the first place.

Despite all of this, he weaves together numerous interesting threads and insights into a highly nuanced discussion of the biological limitations of language, and how those limitations don't necessarily have the negative implications that biological essentialists tend to force in.

I truly appreciate the rigor and dedication to following through the moral complexity and dissecting it.

Essentially, he is fending off arguments from both sides while backing it up with serious consideration and research, which is extremely praiseworthy.
July 15,2025
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The text seems a bit outdated and very specific. I think part of the criticism was my choice of reading.


Perhaps the content was relevant at a certain point in time, but as time has passed, it may have lost some of its significance. However, it's important to note that the specificity could also be a strength in some contexts.


My decision to read this particular piece might have been influenced by various factors, such as personal interest or a specific research topic. While it may not have met all of my expectations, it still provided some valuable insights.


In the future, I will be more cautious when choosing what to read, taking into account its timeliness and relevance to my needs. At the same time, I will also try to approach each piece with an open mind and look for the potential value it may offer.

July 15,2025
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This is a decent book.

However, it contains a couple of highly technical chapters that will only be of interest to linguists.

These chapters are filled with complex theories and detailed analyses that might seem overwhelming to the average reader.

Nevertheless, for those with a passion for linguistics, they can offer valuable insights and in-depth knowledge.

The rest of the book, on the other hand, is more accessible and can be enjoyed by a wider audience.

It presents interesting ideas and concepts in a relatively straightforward manner.

Overall, while the technical chapters may limit its appeal to some extent, the book still has its merits and can be a worthwhile read for those who are interested in the subject matter.
July 15,2025
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Please provide the article that needs to be rewritten and expanded so that I can help you.
July 15,2025
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I really can't rate this because I can't even pretend like I understood it. It is extremely technical writing that delves into the formation and culmination of linguistic theory. The content is so complex and detailed that I am absolutely not capable of following it properly.


The author seems to assume a high level of prior knowledge in the field of linguistics, which makes it difficult for someone without that background to make sense of the text. The use of specialized terminology and convoluted sentence structures further adds to the challenge.


Perhaps if I had more in-depth knowledge of linguistic theory, I would be able to appreciate and rate this piece more accurately. But as it stands, I am left feeling rather confused and frustrated.

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