Noam Chomsky Discharged from Hospital: Continues Treatment at Home
The renowned American intellectual Noam Chomsky has been discharged from a hospital in São Paulo, Brazil, and will continue his medical treatment at home. The Beneficência Portuguesa de São Paulo hospital confirmed this in a medical bulletin, refuting unsourced rumors about his death that had circulated on social media.
Chomsky, a pivotal figure in modern linguistics and a committed intellectual, suffered a stroke in June 2022 that affected the right side of his body. His Brazilian wife, Valeria Chomsky, confirmed his stable condition, stating, "It’s not true, he is fine." The hospital's statement, signed by executive director Renato Vieira and cardiologist Marcelo Sampaio, also dispelled the viral rumors about his health.
Chomsky's Influence and Activism
Noam Chomsky is widely regarded as the founder of modern linguistics, having revolutionized the field with his 1957 book, Syntactic Structures. He argued that language is an innate faculty and introduced the concept of generative grammar, a set of universal rules inscribed in the human brain. Beyond linguistics, Chomsky has been a vocal critic of U.S. foreign policy, particularly regarding the Middle East and Latin America.
His outspoken views have made him a symbol of protest and independence. Chomsky has frequently criticized the media for what he perceives as complacency and has been an influential voice against the Vietnam War and the American invasion of Iraq. He has also been closely associated with Latin American left-wing leaders such as Fidel Castro, Hugo Chavez, and the current Brazilian president, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.
Current Health and Future Prospects
Chomsky's health has been a subject of concern since his stroke in June 2022. His wife, Valeria, detailed that he has difficulty speaking and that the right side of his body is affected. Despite these challenges, Chomsky remains engaged with current events, showing emotional reactions to news, particularly regarding the ongoing conflict in Gaza. His silence since the attack on Israel last October had alarmed his followers, making the recent confirmation of his stable condition reassuring.
Chomsky has had a long and distinguished academic career, spending many years at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and currently serving as a Laureate Professor of Linguistics at the University of Arizona. His groundbreaking work continues to influence the fields of linguistics and cognitive science, and his political activism remains a touchstone for many.
- Noam Chomsky's wife, Valeria Wasserman, originally from Brazil, has been a crucial support in his recovery journey. She transported him to São Paulo on an ambulance plane with two nurses once he was stable enough to travel from the United States.
- Chomsky's influence extends beyond academia into global political discourse. Millions of people read and debate his books and essays, making him one of the most influential intellectuals of the 20th and 21st centuries.
- The linguist's connection to the Middle East is deeply personal, having lived in a kibbutz in northern Israel in 1953. His insights and critiques on U.S. policy in the region are informed by both his academic background and personal experiences.
- Despite his health challenges, Chomsky's intellectual legacy and activism continue to inspire and provoke thought across the globe. His work on generative grammar and his political writings remain essential reading for students, scholars, and activists alike.
