Noam Chomsky's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Noam Chomsky. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

Noam Chomsky is a highly influential American linguist, philosopher, cognitive scientist, and political activist. He revolutionized linguistics with his theory of universal grammar. Beyond academia, Chomsky is a prominent critic of US foreign policy, capitalism, and corporate media. He's written extensively on these topics, solidifying his position as a leading intellectual voice on the left. His work spans linguistics, political analysis, and social criticism, making him one of the most cited living authors.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1958: National Science Foundation Fellowship

From 1958 to 1959 Chomsky was a National Science Foundation fellow at the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton, New Jersey.

1959: National Science Foundation Fellowship

From 1958 to 1959 Chomsky was a National Science Foundation fellow at the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton, New Jersey.

1967: Honorary Doctorate from the University of Chicago

In 1967, Noam Chomsky received an honorary doctorate from the University of Chicago, recognizing his contributions to linguistics and cognitive science.

1970: Honorary Doctorates from Loyola University Chicago and Swarthmore College

In 1970, Noam Chomsky was awarded honorary doctorates from both Loyola University Chicago and Swarthmore College, celebrating his academic achievements.

1970: Named a "Maker of the Twentieth Century"

In 1970, the London Times named Chomsky one of the "makers of the twentieth century".

1971: Guggenheim Fellowship Received

In 1971, Chomsky received a Guggenheim Fellowship.

1971: Honorary Doctorate from Bard College

In 1971, Noam Chomsky received an honorary doctorate from Bard College, adding to his list of academic honors.

1972: Honorary Doctorate from Delhi University

In 1972, Delhi University awarded Noam Chomsky an honorary doctorate, acknowledging his global impact on intellectual thought.

1973: Honorary Doctorate from the University of Massachusetts

In 1973, The University of Massachusetts awarded Noam Chomsky with an honorary doctorate.

1974: Became Fellow of the British Academy

In 1974, Chomsky became a corresponding fellow of the British Academy.

1980: Most Cited Author

From 1980 to 1992, Chomsky was cited within the Arts and Humanities Citation Index more often than any other living scholar.

1984: American Psychological Association Award

In 1984, Chomsky received the American Psychological Association Award for Distinguished Contributions to Psychology.

1987: NCTE George Orwell Award

In 1987, Chomsky received the NCTE George Orwell Award for Distinguished Contribution to Honesty and Clarity in Public Language.

1988: Kyoto Prize in Basic Sciences

In 1988, Chomsky received the Kyoto Prize in Basic Sciences.

1989: NCTE George Orwell Award

In 1989, Chomsky again received the NCTE George Orwell Award for Distinguished Contribution to Honesty and Clarity in Public Language.

1992: Most Cited Author

From 1980 to 1992, Chomsky was cited within the Arts and Humanities Citation Index more often than any other living scholar.

1996: Helmholtz Medal Received

In 1996, Chomsky received the Helmholtz Medal.

1999: Benjamin Franklin Medal in Computer and Cognitive Science

In 1999, Chomsky received the Benjamin Franklin Medal in Computer and Cognitive Science.

2004: Carl-von-Ossietzky Prize

In 2004, Chomsky received the Carl-von-Ossietzky Prize from the city of Oldenburg, Germany, to acknowledge his work as a political analyst and media critic.

2005: Honorary Fellowship

In 2005, Chomsky received an honorary fellowship from the Literary and Historical Society of University College Dublin.

2005: World's Leading Public Intellectual

In 2005, Chomsky was voted the world's leading public intellectual in The 2005 Global Intellectuals Poll.

2006: New Statesman Readers List Chomsky Among World's Foremost Heroes

In 2006, New Statesman readers listed Chomsky among the world's foremost heroes.

2008: President's Medal

In 2008, Chomsky received the President's Medal from the Literary and Debating Society of the National University of Ireland, Galway.

2009: Honorary Member

Since 2009, Chomsky has been an honorary member of International Association of Professional Translators and Interpreters (IAPTI).

2010: Erich Fromm Prize Received

In 2010, Chomsky received the Erich Fromm Prize.

2011: US Peace Prize awarded

In 2011, Chomsky received the US Peace Prize from the US Peace Memorial Foundation for his anti-war work over five decades.

2012: Honorary Doctorate from the International School for Advanced Studies

In 2012, Noam Chomsky received an honorary doctorate from the International School for Advanced Studies.

2014: Neil and Saras Smith Medal for Linguistics

In 2014, Chomsky received the British Academy's Neil and Saras Smith Medal for Linguistics.

2015: Sretenje Order

In 2015, Chomsky received the Sretenje Order for his work in human rights, peace, and social criticism.

2017: Sean MacBride Peace Prize

In 2017, Chomsky received the Seán MacBride Peace Prize and the Dorothy Eldridge Peacemaker Award for his contributions to human rights, peace, and social criticism.