Is Harris's "Linguistics Wars" still relevant

Question

I've started to read Randy Harris's "Linguistics Wars" (2nd ed. 2021). It deals with the so-called linguistics wars, which I think occurred mostly during about 1950-1975 (though, by page 30, I'm not sure that the story actually finishes by 1975). It focuses on Chomsky's early career and his immediate prominence in generative grammar.

Is the book of lasting relevance today, or is it primarily of historic interest?

Answer 1

Here’s a guide to help you explore the relevance of Randy Harris's "The Linguistics Wars" today, especially given its focus on Chomsky’s early career and the controversies in generative grammar.

Step 1: Consider the Historical and Theoretical Context

1. Background of the "Linguistics Wars": These debates were pivotal in shaping modern linguistics, especially through Noam Chomsky's influence on generative grammar. By questioning foundational ideas about language structure and cognition, these debates set the groundwork for many modern approaches.
2. Guiding Question: How did these debates influence linguistic theory as it exists today? Consider that many fundamental arguments (like competence vs. performance and deep vs. surface structure) still affect fields like syntax, semantics, and psycholinguistics.

Step 2: Reflect on the Ongoing Impact of Chomsky’s Ideas

1. Relevance of Generative Grammar: Chomsky’s theories on generative grammar and the universality of linguistic structures remain influential, even as new linguistic and cognitive science fields emerge. Harris’s focus on Chomsky’s early career provides insight into these foundational ideas and how they still resonate, even when challenged by newer theories.
2. Guiding Question: Do the concepts and controversies from Chomsky’s time still shape current discussions in linguistics? For example, consider how debates around universal grammar continue to influence research in language acquisition and cognitive science.

Step 3: Examine Harris's Updated Edition for Modern Relevance

1. Updated Perspectives: The second edition of The Linguistics Wars (2021) includes new perspectives on how the field has evolved since the original “wars.” Harris may discuss newer linguistic frameworks like Minimalism, Optimality Theory, and cognitive-functional approaches.
2. Guiding Question: Does Harris relate these early controversies to current theories? Look for sections where he may connect historical debates to the ongoing development of linguistics, showing how ideas from that era are still relevant or have evolved.

Step 4: Determine Whether It’s Relevant Beyond Historical Interest

1. Broader Applications: The book is not just a record of past events; it also demonstrates how intellectual debates shape a field’s direction. These arguments in linguistics highlight how theories evolve, clash, and lead to new ideas—important in any scientific discipline.
2. Guiding Question: How do the "linguistics wars" inform our understanding of scientific debate and theory evolution? Understanding these foundational conflicts can be valuable, both for their historical context and for how they inform ongoing discussions.

Recommended Steps to Form Your Conclusion

1. Keep Reading for Harris’s Connections to Today’s Linguistics: Look for areas in the book where Harris reflects on current linguistic debates and ties them to Chomsky's era.
2. Check Academic Reviews of the Second Edition: Reviews in academic journals may provide insight into how Harris’s updates address the field’s evolution.
3. Research Current Applications of Chomsky’s Ideas: Articles or discussions on universal grammar and Minimalism may highlight how these concepts remain influential.

By exploring these aspects, you’ll be able to determine if The Linguistics Wars offers insights that extend beyond its historical scope. This approach should help you decide whether the book is of lasting relevance or primarily of historical interest. Let me know if you want further resources to deepen this exploration!