乔姆斯基内化语言理论的解读及反思——纪念《语言知识:其性质来源及使用》出版30周年

The Interpretation and Reflection of Chomsky's Theory of I-language——To celebrate the 30th Anniversary of Its Publication

乔姆斯基在其极具影响力的著作《语言知识:其性质来源及使用》中对语言学研究从外化语言向内化语言转向进行了深入阐释,将理性主义观念提升到了新的高度。然而学界对于其内化语言概念及理论的质疑却从未停止。在本书出版30周年之际,笔者重新解读了乔姆斯基的内化语言理论,并就其天赋性、生物性、普遍性、语法自治性、唯理性进行批判式反思,结果表明内化语言理论取得了丰硕成果,但仍缺乏关键决定性证据的支持。未来语言学研究应在内化语言理论取得的成果基础之上,结合经验主义和理性主义研究方法的优点,跨学科、全方位、多角度地探索语言本质和语言规律。

In Chomsky＇s highly influential Knowledge of Language：Its Nature,Origin,and Use,he depicted and analyzed the shift of focus from E-language to I-language in linguistic studies,which enhanced the rationalism to a new level.However,the I-language theory has undergone criticism and questioning ever since the establishment.Thirty years after the original publication,this article gives a new interpretation of Chomsky＇s theory of I-language,and critically reflects upon the linguistic innatism,biological properties,language universals,autonomy of grammar and rationalistic tendencies.The results showed that the I-language theory has made considerable progress,accompanied by apoverty of definitive evidences.On the basis of I-language theory,we suggest the possible paths forward：an interdisciplinary research with a convergence of methods of rationalism and empiricism,in order to comprehensively explore the different perspectives of the nature and rules of language.