Chomsky is talking about adapting; about the fact that Hebrew is/was
influenced by other languages.
Angel Badillos, A History of the Hebrew Language, page 277:
"Corresponding to the various stages of its revival, Hebrew was first
influenced predominantly by the Slavic languages, replaced later by German,
and eventually, and more decisively, English, though we should not forget the
role played by French and Spanish, the native languages of many of the Jews
now living in Israel. The aspects of IH that have probably been most affected
by such influences are syntax and vocabulary, and it is these that have
changed the most in comparison with the classical language.
Nonetheless, it needs to be emphasized that the means of expression inherited
by IH, as well as the basic nucleus of its morphology and syntax, are clearly
Semitic in origin."
Best,
David Hamuel
Type DesignerÂ
Biblical Hebrew, Grammar & Cantillation Expert