These cogent essays on linguistic theory explore Noam Chomsky's influential concept of generative grammar. The readings form a coherent outline of transformational theory, the distinguished author and educator's controversial challenge to structural linguistics. They rely chiefly on Chomsky’s own words, but their arrangement is such that nonspecialists will have no difficulty in following the text. Topics include syntactic structure, features, and categories; phonology, syntax, and semantics; language acquisition; and the implications of transformational theory for language teaching.  The father of modern linguistics, Noam Chomsky is Professor Emeritus of Linguistics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a world-renowned philosopher, political activist, author, and lecturer. The least expensive edition of his selected readings, this volume is an ideal choice for students and teachers.