Noam Chomsky Hospitalized in Brazil Following Stroke
American linguist, activist, and social critic Noam Chomsky, aged 95, is currently recovering in a hospital in Brazil after suffering a severe stroke in June 2023. His wife, Valeria Chomsky, confirmed the news recently following nearly a year of silence regarding Chomsky’s health. Initially treated in the United States, Chomsky was transported to São Paulo via ambulance plane for more personalized care once his condition stabilized.
Stroke and Recovery Journey
Chomsky's stroke significantly impacted his speech abilities and the mobility of the right side of his body. Valeria Chomsky, in an interview with Brazilian newspaper Folha de S.Paulo, elaborated on his ongoing recovery. The elder intellectual receives daily attention from a specialized medical team including a neurologist, a pulmonologist, and a speech therapist. Despite his impairments, Chomsky continues to engage with current affairs, demonstrating his characteristic activism by reacting emotionally to news about the Gaza conflict.
Continued Influence and Future Plans
Noam Chomsky remains a pivotal figure for the global left and intellectual community. His Facebook page, followed by 1.5 million people, has seen limited activity since May 2023, focusing primarily on promoting his works. Valeria revealed the possibility of moving to Rio de Janeiro, a decision influenced by studies suggesting sunny environments aid stroke recovery. The couple has been based in São Paulo since 2015, owning an apartment there. Throughout his recovery, Chomsky has continued to read scientific journals and The New York Times, sustaining his keen interest in global issues.
- Chomsky's longtime secretary, Bev Stohl, disclosed in December that he was facing severe health problems, which explained his absence from public life since June 2023. Chomsky’s wife, Valeria Chomsky, rented a private plane equipped with two nurses to bring him to São Paulo in hopes of accessing a higher level of personalized medical care. Valeria emphasized the progress he’s made, transitioning out of intensive care and regaining some of his communication abilities.
- In São Paulo, Chomsky continuously engages with his intellectual pursuits despite the physical limitations imposed by the stroke. This resilience underscores his lasting influence as an iconic critic and activist. His condition has also prompted visits from notable figures, including Brazilian Minister of Economy, Fernando Haddad, reflecting the high regard in which he is held around the world.
- The couple's interactions with key political figures, such as a visit to now-President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva during his imprisonment, further highlight Chomsky’s enduring engagement with political issues. Their relationship underscores a personal and professional partnership that spans continents and intellectual spaces.
