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The Concept of Language (Noam Chomsky)

UW Video · interview · Watch on YouTube

Language & linguisticsPhilosophy & ethics

What it is

Noam Chomsky talks with the University of Washington's Upon Reflection about how languages change over time, why a national language is a modern idea, and how language is a system of communication rooted in human nature.

Why Hacker News recommends it

Recommended in threads on language purity and standardization for its clear take that languages are fluid and that national languages are constructed.

  • 3 people recommended it
  • 3 different months
  • 1 strong recommendations
  • first 2021, last 2024

What HN commenters said

  1. “Here's my favorite talk on the subject given by Chomsky, highly recommend a listen”

    Chomsky talk on how language is flexible, evolving and individual

    surfpel, 2023-12 · Strong recommendation · in “History-making SpaceX booster mostly destroyed in post-flight topple”

  2. “Noam chomsky has an informative interview.”

    Chomsky interview on language purity and national language being silly

    random314, 2022-05 · Recommendation · in “France bans English gaming tech jargon in push to preserve language purity”

  3. “I love this old interview.”

    Old Chomsky interview with a poignant final question

    jcul, 2024-06 · Recommendation · in “Noam Chomsky 'no longer able to talk' after 'medical event'”

Excerpts from Hacker News comments, linked to the originals. Summaries and labels were written by a language model from those comments.

Topics: noam chomsky, language change, national language, nation state, philosophy of language

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