Avram Noam Chomsky is a highly influential American academic known as the "father of modern linguistics." He is recognized for his groundbreaking work in linguistics, cognitive science, and analytic philosophy. Chomsky is a prolific author with over 150 books on diverse topics including linguistics, political activism, and social criticism. He is a distinguished professor at the University of Arizona and MIT, and his political views align with anarcho-syndicalism and libertarian socialism.
1913: William Chomsky Immigrates to the United States
Noam Chomsky's father, William Chomsky, immigrated to the United States in 1913, fleeing conscription in the Russian Empire.
December 7, 1928: Birth of Noam Chomsky
Noam Chomsky was born on December 7, 1928, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
1934: Birth of David Eli Chomsky
David Eli Chomsky, Noam Chomsky's younger brother, was born in 1934.
1938: Influence of "Homage to Catalonia"
George Orwell's "Homage to Catalonia", published in 1938, significantly influenced Chomsky's political views, particularly his understanding of anarchism.
1939: Chomsky's Early Political Awakening
At the age of 10, Chomsky's political consciousness was significantly shaped by the events of the Spanish Civil War, particularly the fall of Barcelona and the suppression of the anarchosyndicalist movement in 1939. This event led him to write his first political article and solidified his early leanings towards anarchism.
1945: Chomsky Begins Studies at the University of Pennsylvania
Noam Chomsky enrolled at the University of Pennsylvania in 1945 at the age of 16, where he pursued a general program of study exploring philosophy, logic, and languages.
1947: Chomsky Meets Zellig Harris, Sparking Interest in Linguistics
A pivotal encounter in 1947 with linguist Zellig Harris at a political gathering reignited Chomsky's academic curiosity. Harris introduced him to theoretical linguistics, persuading Chomsky to focus on the subject.
1947: Critique of the United Nations Partition Plan for Palestine
Chomsky has expressed the view that the 1947 United Nations Partition Plan for Palestine was a flawed decision. However, considering the political realities at the time, he has also entertained the idea of a two-state solution, contingent upon the condition that both nation-states could coexist on equal footing.
1947: Relationship with Carol Doris Schatz
Chomsky's romantic relationship with Carol Doris Schatz began in 1947.
1949: Marriage to Carol Doris Schatz
Noam Chomsky and Carol Doris Schatz were married in 1949.
1949: Chomsky Marries Carol Doris Schatz
Noam Chomsky married Carol Doris Schatz in 1949.
1951: Membership at Harvard Society of Fellows
In 1951, Chomsky became a member of the Society of Fellows at Harvard University, where he started his research on transformational grammar.
1951: Chomsky Receives Master's Degree from the University of Pennsylvania
In 1951, Noam Chomsky received his Master's degree from the University of Pennsylvania, further solidifying his foundation in linguistics.
1952: First Academic Article Publication
Chomsky published his first academic article in The Journal of Symbolic Logic in 1952.
1953: Trip to Europe and Kibbutz Experience
The Chomskys traveled to Europe in 1953 on a Harvard travel grant, during which Chomsky spent time in a kibbutz in Israel, shaping his political views.
1954: Lectures at University of Chicago and Yale
Chomsky presented his ideas on linguistics, which challenged behaviorist views, in lectures at the University of Chicago and Yale University in 1954.
1955: Assistant Professor at MIT
Chomsky began working as an assistant professor at MIT in 1955, focusing on mechanical translation and teaching linguistics and philosophy.
1955: Doctoral Dissertation on Transformational-Generative Grammar
In 1955, Chomsky completed his doctoral dissertation, which presented his early work on transformational-generative grammar. While his initial contribution was considered relatively minor, it laid the groundwork for his later groundbreaking theories.
1955: Chomsky Earns Doctorate and Begins Teaching at MIT
In 1955, Noam Chomsky earned his doctorate from the University of Pennsylvania for his groundbreaking theory of transformational grammar. That same year, he began his influential teaching career at MIT.
1955: Awarded Doctor of Philosophy
In 1955, Noam Chomsky received his Doctor of Philosophy degree from the University of Pennsylvania for his dissertation on transformational grammar.
1957: Aviva Chomsky is Born
Aviva Chomsky, the first child of Noam and Carol Chomsky, was born in 1957.
1957: Publication of "Syntactic Structures"
Chomsky's book "Syntactic Structures" was published in 1957. In this work, he expanded upon recent advancements in linguistic analysis developed by Zellig Harris, his PhD supervisor, and Charles F. Hockett. Their methods drew inspiration from the work of Danish structural linguist Louis Hjelmslev, who introduced the concept of algorithmic grammar to the field. Building on this foundation, Chomsky categorized potential phrase-structure grammar types into four increasingly intricate nested subsets, known collectively as the Chomsky hierarchy. This classification system continues to hold significance in formal language theory, theoretical computer science, programming language theory, compiler construction, and automata theory.
1957: Associate Professor and First Child
In 1957, MIT promoted Chomsky to associate professor, he also held a visiting professor position at Columbia University. The same year, his first child, Aviva, was born.
1957: Publication of "Syntactic Structures" Revolutionizes Linguistics
Noam Chomsky's landmark work, "Syntactic Structures," was published in 1957, marking a significant turning point in the field of linguistics. The book introduced his innovative ideas and helped reshape the study of language.
1958: National Science Foundation Fellowship
Chomsky was awarded a National Science Foundation fellowship at the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton, New Jersey, from 1958 to 1959.
1958: Chomsky Begins National Science Foundation Fellowship
In 1958, Noam Chomsky's exceptional work in linguistics was recognized with a National Science Foundation fellowship at the Institute for Advanced Study.
1959: End of National Science Foundation Fellowship
Chomsky's National Science Foundation fellowship at the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton, New Jersey, ended in 1959.
1959: Chomsky Concludes National Science Foundation Fellowship
In 1959, Noam Chomsky completed his National Science Foundation fellowship at the Institute for Advanced Study, having made significant contributions to the field of linguistics.
1960: Diane Chomsky is Born
Diane Chomsky, the second child of Noam and Carol Chomsky, was born in 1960.
1961: Full Professor at MIT
Chomsky became a full professor in the Department of Modern Languages and Linguistics at MIT in 1961.
1962: Speaker at International Congress of Linguists
Chomsky's position as a leading figure in American linguistics was solidified when he was appointed plenary speaker at the Ninth International Congress of Linguists in Cambridge, Massachusetts, in 1962.
1963: Military-sponsored project consultation begins
In 1963, Chomsky started consulting on a military-funded project aimed at teaching computers to comprehend natural English commands from military generals.
1965: Relocation to Lexington
Chomsky and his family relocated to Lexington, a suburb of Boston, in 1965.
1965: Publication of "Aspects of the Theory of Syntax"
Chomsky published his influential book, "Aspects of the Theory of Syntax", in 1965, further developing his ideas on generative grammar.
1965: Military-sponsored project consultation ends
Chomsky stopped consulting on a military-funded project aimed at teaching computers to comprehend natural English commands from military generals in 1965.
1966: Publications and Lectures at UC Berkeley
In 1966, Chomsky published "Topics in the Theory of Generative Grammar" and "Cartesian Linguistics: A Chapter in the History of Rationalist Thought". He also delivered lectures at the University of California, Berkeley, which were later published as "Language and Mind".
1966: Publication of "Cartesian Linguistics: A Chapter in the History of Rationalist Thought"
In 1966, Noam Chomsky published his influential book, "Cartesian Linguistics: A Chapter in the History of Rationalist Thought." This work explored the philosophical underpinnings of his linguistic theories, drawing connections to 17th-century rationalist thought.
1967: "The Responsibility of Intellectuals" and Anti-War Activism
Chomsky's essay "The Responsibility of Intellectuals" brought him national attention in 1967 for his criticism of the Vietnam war. This marked a turning point as he became increasingly associated with the New Left and active in anti-war protests.
1967: Harry Chomsky is Born
Harry Chomsky, the third child of Noam and Carol Chomsky, was born in 1967.
1967: Honorary Doctorates
Noam Chomsky received honorary doctorates from both the University of London and the University of Chicago in 1967.
1968: Publication of "Language and Mind"
Chomsky's lectures from UC Berkeley were compiled and published as "Language and Mind" in 1968, exploring the connection between linguistics and human cognition.
1969: Publication of "American Power and the New Mandarins"
Chomsky's first explicitly political book, "American Power and the New Mandarins", was published in 1969, compiling his essays and critiques of U.S. foreign policy.
1969: Chomsky Supports Walt Rostow's Return to MIT
In 1969, Chomsky, despite his strong opposition to the Vietnam War, defended the academic freedom of Walt Rostow, a key figure in shaping the war policy. Chomsky's stance demonstrated his commitment to principles of academic freedom even for those whose actions he vehemently disagreed with.
1969: John Locke Lectures
Noam Chomsky delivered the John Locke Lectures in 1969.
1970: Chomsky Named One of the "Makers of the Twentieth Century"
In 1970, the London Times recognized Noam Chomsky's significant contributions by naming him one of the "makers of the twentieth century."
1970: Honorary Doctorates
Two institutions awarded honorary doctorates to Noam Chomsky in 1970: Loyola University Chicago and Swarthmore College.
1971: Debate with Michel Foucault
Chomsky's 1971 debate with Michel Foucault solidified his position as a leading figure in analytic philosophy. The debate highlighted the contrasting perspectives of these influential thinkers.
1971: Honorary Doctorate
In 1971, Bard College awarded Noam Chomsky an honorary doctorate.
1971: Chomsky-Foucault Debate
The year 1971 witnessed a historic intellectual clash between Noam Chomsky and Michel Foucault. This debate, symbolizing a clash between analytic and continental philosophy, centered on the concept of human nature. Chomsky argued for universal aspects of human nature like a shared moral compass, while Foucault believed such definitions were tied to contemporary social constructs.
1972: Publications on Generative Grammar and Language
Chomsky published significant works in linguistics in 1972, including "Studies on Semantics in Generative Grammar" and an updated edition of "Language and Mind," further developing his theories on language acquisition and structure.
1972: Honorary Doctorate
Noam Chomsky received an honorary doctorate from Delhi University in 1972.
1973: Honorary Doctorate
The University of Massachusetts awarded Noam Chomsky an honorary doctorate in 1973.
1973: Publication of "The Backroom Boys" and "For Reasons of State"
Chomsky published two more political books in 1973: "The Backroom Boys" and "For Reasons of State", solidifying his position as a prominent critic of U.S. foreign policy.
1973: Commemorating War Resisters League Anniversary
Chomsky helped lead a committee to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the War Resisters League in 1973, further demonstrating his ongoing commitment to pacifism.
1973: Publication and Suppression of "Counter-Revolutionary Violence"
Chomsky and Edward S. Herman co-authored "Counter-Revolutionary Violence: Bloodbaths in Fact & Propaganda" in 1973, criticizing U.S. military actions in Southeast Asia and media coverage. The book's controversial content led to its suppression by the publisher.
1974: Publication of "Peace in the Middle East?"
In 1974, Chomsky published "Peace in the Middle East?", broadening his critique to include the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
1974: Becoming a Corresponding Fellow of the British Academy
Chomsky's contributions to linguistics were recognized in 1974 when he became a corresponding fellow of the British Academy, a prestigious honor for scholars in the humanities and social sciences.
1975: Publication of "Reflections on Language"
Chomsky continued to refine his linguistic theories with the publication of "Reflections on Language" in 1975, exploring the nature and structure of human language.
1975: Publication of The Logical Structure of Linguistic Theory
Chomsky's doctoral dissertation, which was privately distributed earlier, was published as "The Logical Structure of Linguistic Theory" in 1975.
1975: Whidden Lectures
Noam Chomsky gave the Whidden Lectures in 1975.
1977: Huizinga Lecture
The Huizinga Lecture was delivered by Noam Chomsky in 1977.
1979: Publication of "The Political Economy of Human Rights"
Chomsky and Herman's revised book, "The Political Economy of Human Rights," was published in 1979, examining U.S. media bias in covering the Cambodian genocide and Indonesian occupation of East Timor. This work sparked debate and criticism, particularly regarding Chomsky's stance on the Cambodian genocide.
1980: The Faurisson Affair
In 1980, Chomsky became embroiled in controversy for defending Robert Faurisson's right to free speech, despite Faurisson's Holocaust denial views. This incident led to widespread condemnation and accusations against Chomsky, significantly impacting his reputation, particularly in France.
1980: Chomsky's Citation Impact Highlighted
Research from 1980 to 1992 revealed that Noam Chomsky was among the most cited scholars across various disciplines, indicating his wide-reaching influence in academia.
1983: Publication of "The Fateful Triangle"
Chomsky's 1983 book, "The Fateful Triangle," presented a critical analysis of the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO), condemning what he perceived as their "self-destructive" and "suicidal" tendencies. He voiced his disapproval of their engagement in "armed struggle" and "erratic violence." Furthermore, he directed criticism toward Arab governments, characterizing them as lacking in decency.
1983: Publication of "The Fateful Triangle"
Chomsky's book "The Fateful Triangle," published in 1983, analyzed the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, arguing that the U.S. had consistently exploited the situation for its own political gain.
1985: Visit to Nicaragua and Lectures on Power and Ideology
During the Nicaraguan Contra War in 1985, Chomsky visited Managua to witness the conflict's effects firsthand. He met with workers, refugees, and delivered lectures on power and ideology, later published as "On Power and Ideology: The Managua Lectures" in 1987.
1987: Publication of "On Power and Ideology: The Managua Lectures"
Chomsky's lectures from his 1985 trip to Nicaragua were published as "On Power and Ideology: The Managua Lectures" in 1987, offering his analysis of power dynamics and ideological influence.
February 1988: Defense of Chomsky by Saul Landau
In February 1988, Saul Landau, writing for The Washington Post, came to Chomsky's defense, arguing that Chomsky had been unfairly excluded from mainstream policy debates. Landau suggested that this exclusion stemmed from discomfort with Chomsky's relentless criticism and his unconventional views.
1988: Hamas Charter Analysis
In a 2014 interview, Chomsky discussed the 1988 Hamas charter, a document calling for Israel's destruction. He downplayed the charter's significance, arguing that it was produced by a small, besieged group in 1988 and holds little practical weight. He drew a comparison with the Likud party's electoral platform, which explicitly rejects the possibility of a Palestinian state west of the Jordan River—a stance Chomsky interpreted as a call for the destruction of Palestine.
1988: Publication of "Manufacturing Consent: The Political Economy of the Mass Media"
Chomsky, in collaboration with Edward S. Herman, published "Manufacturing Consent: The Political Economy of the Mass Media" in 1988, introducing their influential propaganda model. This model explains how media outlets, even in the absence of direct censorship, filter information to serve elite interests.
1988: Massey Lectures
In 1988, Noam Chomsky delivered the Massey Lectures.
1988: Visit to the Palestinian Territories
Chomsky traveled to the Palestinian territories in 1988 to observe the impact of Israeli occupation, demonstrating his commitment to understanding and raising awareness about the conflict.
1989: Publication of "Necessary Illusions: Thought Control in Democratic Societies"
Chomsky's book "Necessary Illusions: Thought Control in Democratic Societies," published in 1989, explored the ways in which media and intellectual elites shape public opinion and limit dissent in democratic societies.
1989: Chomsky Supports John Deutch's MIT Presidency
In another instance of upholding academic freedom, Chomsky in 1989 supported John Deutch's candidacy for MIT's presidency. This was despite Deutch's role as a Pentagon advisor, a position often at odds with Chomsky's own views.
1992: Film Adaptation of "Manufacturing Consent"
Chomsky and Herman's groundbreaking work, "Manufacturing Consent: The Political Economy of the Mass Media," was adapted into a film in 1992, further expanding the reach and impact of their analysis of media and power.
1992: Chomsky's Citation Impact Highlighted
Research from 1980 to 1992 revealed that Noam Chomsky was among the most cited scholars across various disciplines, indicating his wide-reaching influence in academia.
1995: Advocacy for East Timorese Independence in Australia
Continuing his support for East Timor's independence, Chomsky traveled to Australia in 1995 to raise awareness about the issue. His lectures during this trip were later compiled and published as "Powers and Prospects" in 1996.
1996: Publication of "Powers and Prospects"
Chomsky's lectures on East Timor's independence, delivered in Australia in 1995, were published as "Powers and Prospects" in 1996, further solidifying his role as a prominent advocate for East Timorese self-determination.
1999: Criticism of International Intervention in East Timor
Following East Timor's independence in 1999, Chomsky criticized the Australian-led international peacekeeping force. He argued that the intervention was primarily motivated by securing access to East Timor's oil and gas reserves.
2001: Post 9/11 Commentary and D.T. Lakdawala Memorial Lecture
In 2001, following the September 11 attacks, Chomsky was widely interviewed, providing his perspective on the events and their implications. He argued that the subsequent War on Terror was not a new phenomenon but rather a continuation of pre-existing U.S. foreign policy and rhetoric. That same year, he delivered the D.T. Lakdawala Memorial Lecture in New Delhi.
2002: Retirement from MIT and Advocacy in Turkey
Chomsky retired from MIT in 2002 but retained an emeritus status, allowing him to continue research and seminars on campus. That year, he traveled to Turkey to support a publisher facing treason charges for printing one of his books. Chomsky's insistence on being a co-defendant and the resulting international media attention led to the charges being dropped. During his time in Turkey, he also visited Kurdish regions and advocated for Kurdish human rights.
2003: "Hegemony or Survival" Publication and Cuba Visit
In 2003, Chomsky published his book "Hegemony or Survival," in which he outlined his concept of the United States' "imperial grand strategy" and critiqued the Iraq War and other aspects of the War on Terror. Also in 2003, he visited Cuba at the invitation of the Latin American Association of Social Scientists.
2003: Album Dedication
Actor Viggo Mortensen and avant-garde guitarist Buckethead released their album "Pandemoniumfromamerica" in 2003, dedicating it to Noam Chomsky.
2003: Chomsky's Vocal Opposition to the Iraq War
After retiring from teaching, Chomsky remained an outspoken voice against U.S. foreign policy, notably opposing the invasion of Iraq in 2003.
2004: Carl-von-Ossietzky Prize
In 2004, Noam Chomsky's work as a political analyst and media critic was recognized with the Carl-von-Ossietzky Prize from the city of Oldenburg, Germany.
2004: Criticism in "The Anti-Chomsky Reader"
Peter Collier and David Horowitz's 2004 book, "The Anti-Chomsky Reader," levels accusations against Chomsky, alleging that he selectively presents facts to support his theories. Horowitz has also been critical of Chomsky's stance on American foreign policy, labeling it as anti-American.
2005: Chomsky Voted Leading Public Intellectual
A 2005 poll conducted by Foreign Policy and Prospect magazines ranked Noam Chomsky as the world's leading public intellectual, highlighting his global influence and thought leadership.
2005: Honorary Fellowship
The Literary and Historical Society of University College Dublin honored Noam Chomsky with an honorary fellowship in 2005.
January 2006: Criticism from Peter Schweizer
In January 2006, Peter Schweizer, writing for the conservative think tank the Hoover Institution, criticized Chomsky's personal financial practices. Schweizer pointed to Chomsky's support for estate taxes and income redistribution while simultaneously establishing an estate plan to safeguard his assets and intellectual property. Schweizer also questioned the high speaking fees Chomsky commanded, which ranged from $9,000 to $12,000 per engagement at the time.
2006: Chomsky Listed Among World's Foremost Heroes
Readers of the New Statesman in 2006 placed Noam Chomsky among the world's foremost heroes, indicating his impactful activism and intellectual contributions.
2008: Carol Chomsky Passes Away
Carol Chomsky, Noam Chomsky's wife, passed away in 2008.
2008: President's Medal
Noam Chomsky received the President's Medal from the Literary and Debating Society of the National University of Ireland, Galway in 2008.
2009: Honorary Member of IAPTI
In 2009, Noam Chomsky became an honorary member of the International Association of Professional Translators and Interpreters (IAPTI).
2010: Denial of Entry to the West Bank
In 2010, Chomsky was barred from entering the West Bank due to his criticisms of Israel. He was scheduled to deliver a lecture at Bir Zeit University and meet with Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad. An Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesperson later stated that the denial of entry was an error.
2011: Support for the Occupy Movement
Chomsky expressed his support for the 2011 Occupy movement, participating in encampments and publishing writings on the movement, which he viewed as a response to a prolonged period of class conflict.
2011: US Peace Prize and Sydney Peace Prize
Noam Chomsky was awarded the US Peace Prize for his five decades of anti-war activism, and the Sydney Peace Prize for his contributions to human rights, peace, and social criticism in 2011.
September 2012: Critique from Nikolas Kozloff
Writing for Al Jazeera in September 2012, Nikolas Kozloff acknowledged Chomsky's efforts in highlighting the wrongdoings of the U.S. and its allies globally. However, Kozloff criticized Chomsky for what he perceived as an ideological stance aimed at avoiding controversy. Kozloff argued that Chomsky's website lacked in-depth discussions on certain geopolitical issues, such as the situation in Belarus or Latin America's relationships with authoritarian leaders.
2012: Honorary Doctorate
The International School for Advanced Studies awarded Noam Chomsky an honorary doctorate in 2012.
2014: Support for Scottish Independence
During the 2014 Scottish independence referendum, Chomsky expressed his support for Scottish independence.
2014: Interview on Democracy Now!
In a 2014 interview on Democracy Now!, Chomsky shared his perspective on the Hamas charter, a document from 1988 that advocates for the destruction of Israel. He argued that the charter holds minimal practical significance, as it was created by a limited group under duress in 1988. Chomsky drew a parallel to the Likud party's platform, which explicitly opposes a Palestinian state west of the Jordan River—a position he viewed as tantamount to advocating for the destruction of Palestine.
2014: Chomsky Marries Valeria Wasserman
Noam Chomsky married Valeria Wasserman in 2014.
2015: Sretenje Order
In 2015, Noam Chomsky received the Sretenje Order for his contributions to human rights, peace, and social criticism.
2015: Featured in "Requiem for the American Dream" Documentary
The 2015 documentary "Requiem for the American Dream" presented Chomsky's perspectives on capitalism and economic inequality in a concise "75-minute teach-in" format.
2016: Chomsky Criticizes Turkish President Erdoğan
Noam Chomsky publicly criticized Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in 2016 for his policies against the Kurds and his stance on terrorism, which Chomsky considered hypocritical.
2017: Teaching Position at the University of Arizona
In 2017, Chomsky took on a short-term teaching position at the University of Arizona, leading a politics course. His contributions were recognized, and he was later appointed as a part-time professor in the linguistics department, with his responsibilities encompassing teaching and public seminars. Funding for his salary was secured through philanthropic donations.
2017: Seán MacBride Peace Prize and Dorothy Eldridge Peacemaker Award
Noam Chomsky received two awards in 2017, the Seán MacBride Peace Prize and the Dorothy Eldridge Peacemaker Award.
2021: Death of David Eli Chomsky
Noam Chomsky's brother, David Eli Chomsky, passed away in 2021.
2023: Chomsky Suffers a Stroke
In 2023, Noam Chomsky suffered a significant stroke, impacting his mobility and communication abilities. He was subsequently transferred to a hospital in São Paulo, Brazil, for recovery.
June 18, 2024: Rumors of Chomsky's Death Denied; Hospitalization Ends
On June 18, 2024, rumors regarding Noam Chomsky's death began to circulate but were quickly refuted by Valeria Wasserman. Soon after, reports confirmed that Chomsky's hospitalization had concluded.