试论乔姆斯基语言观的初步形成——《评斯金纳著〈言语行为〉》解读

The Initial Stage of Development of Chomsky's View on Language——Analysis of "A Review of B.F. Skinner's Verbal Behavior"

1959年乔姆斯基发表了其颇具争议的书评《评斯金纳著〈言语行为〉》,激烈反对以斯金纳为代表的新行为主义学派的语言观及其方法论。本文从乔氏语言观的角度对此书评进行解读,并以同时期的主要著作为佐证,粗线条地勾勒出乔氏语言观形成初期的基本面貌:"刺激贫乏说"的雏形、"内置结构"及"间接的研究方法"。书评为乔姆斯基开启了内在语言研究之门,助推了认知心理学、哲学等相关科学研究视角的切换。自此以后的数十年,乔姆斯基始终为自己的理念——天赋论、内在论、理性主义而战。

Noam Chomsky published his review of Skinner's Verbal Behavior in 1959.He criticized neo-behaviorists among whom Skinner is an outstanding figure for their views of language and their methodology.It is in this controversial article that his own view about the nature of language and the approach to language study became more clear than ever before."Poverty of the Stimulus",though not well-developed,did partially appear in the review."Built-in structure"and"indirect approach"were the evidence of the initial setting up of his methodology.This review opens a door for Chomskyan study of I-language, helps alter the perspective of study in cognitive science and philosophy.Since then,he has been fighting vigorously for his belief-innateness,internalism,rationalism.