Vol. 9 No. 1 (2024): January-Febuary
Original Articles

BREAKING LINGUISTIC CHAINS: CHOMSKY'S VISION FOR A STIMULUS-FREE VERBAL SYMPHONY

Ananya S. Choudhury
Department of English, V.K.S. University, Arrah (Bihar) 802301, India.
Arjun M. Singhania
Department of English, V.K.S. University, Arrah (Bihar) 802301, India.

Published 2024-01-31

Keywords

  • Stimulus-free language, Linguistic autonomy, Language and thought, Cognitive processes, Language acquisition

How to Cite

Choudhury, A. S., & Singhania, A. M. (2024). BREAKING LINGUISTIC CHAINS: CHOMSKY’S VISION FOR A STIMULUS-FREE VERBAL SYMPHONY. American Journal of Arts and Communication, 9(1), 1–13. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.10600344

Abstract

This paper explores the intriguing concept of a "stimulus-free language" as envisioned by the eminent American linguist, Noam Chomsky. Chomsky's assertion challenges conventional notions about language, positing that the normal use of language is not only innovative and boundlessly expansive but also emancipated from the constraints of detectable stimuli, be they external or internal. This departure from stimulus control, as proposed by Chomsky, bestows language with the unique capacity to function as a tool for thought and self-expression. This inherent characteristic, according to Chomsky, is not exclusive to the exceptionally gifted and talented but is a faculty available to every normal human being.

The exploration of this "stimulus-free language" concept delves into the intricate relationship between language, thought, and self-expression. By examining Chomsky's perspective, we navigate through the realms of linguistic autonomy, breaking away from traditional paradigms that tether language to external or internal stimuli. The paper discusses the implications of this vision on our understanding of language acquisition, cognitive processes, and the democratization of linguistic prowess among individuals.

Furthermore, the paper considers the practical implications of Chomsky's vision, evaluating how a stimulus-free language might manifest in everyday communication and cognitive endeavors. This investigation leads to a reconsideration of educational approaches, linguistic interventions, and the nurturing of linguistic capabilities in diverse populations.

In synthesizing Chomsky's ideas with contemporary perspectives on language and cognition, this paper aims to contribute to the ongoing discourse in linguistics and cognitive science. By critically engaging with the concept of a stimulus-free language, the study seeks to unravel the intricacies of language's role in shaping human thought and expression.

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