Reflection on Chomsky’s Idealization of Language 对乔姆斯基语言模式理想化的再思考.doc

Reflection on Chomsky’s Idealization of Language Abstract: This paper begins with a brief introduction to Chomsky’s methodology of idealization in linguistic research. Although the idealization in physical research from which Chomsky’s idealization deprives can still keep natural laws’ validity, the author points out Chomsky’s idealization is not accessible. The key point lies in the exclusion of social factors in his research. Then the author demonstrates the reason why Chomsky’s exclusion of social factors is not accessible from two aspects: (1) Language is a concrete system of signs. (2) Language is a social institution. Only in the context of society are these features significant and integrate, can language bear its form and forward its development and keep up the interaction with the society. Therefore instead of “being idealized” out of linguistic research, social factors should be regarded as the base of the research. Otherwise the object of the research will be totally changed and the research itself will be misguided. As for what factors can be temporarily idealized without changing language’s fundamental features, this is a question worth our further study in the future. Key words: idealization; system of signs; social structure; interaction between language and society 对乔姆斯基语言模式理想化的再思考 摘要：本文从在语言学研究过程中所采用的理想化模式入手，认为为了使研究变得简单，便将与语言关系紧密的社会因素摒除在研究范围之外，这是一种不可取的理想模式。接下来本文从两个主要方面阐述了理想化模式不可取的原因：一是语言作为一种符号系统，只有在社会的环境下才能具有完整的意义。二是语言作为一种社会结构，无论是它的产生还是发展过程，都在不断地和社会发生着相互用。故而没有了社会因素，语言作为符号系统就丧失了意义，作为社会结构就丧失了依存的基础。所以只要是研究语言学，我们就不能将社会因素“理想化”。至于什么因素可以暂时不予考虑，这仍有待进一步的研究。 理想化；符号系统；社会结构；语言与社会的相互作用. Introduction The mid-20th century has brought with it many significant changes and progresses in the study of language. New areas of inquiry have opened to serious investigation, leading to many insights and deeper understanding of the nature of human language. In the sphere of cognition, Chomsky’s theories on linguistics may be the most striking ones. They led far-reach