The grammar of a natural language is a group of structural constraints on the speaker's or writer's construction of clauses, phrases, and words. The term may also refer to the study of such restraints, a field that includes domains such as phonology, morphology and syntax, often complemented by phonetics, semantics and pragmatics. Theoretical linguistics has developed grammatical structures that seek to give an accurate scientific theory of the syntactic rules of grammar and their function. Functional grammar, dependency grammar and Montague grammar are some examples of such frameworks. Other frameworks, such as generative grammar, cognitive grammar and stochastic grammar, are based on an inherent universal grammar, where the object is placed into the verb phrase. This book is compiled in such a manner, that it will provide in-depth knowledge about the essentials of grammatical theory. It provides comprehensive insights into this field. This book is an essential guide for both academicians and those who wish to pursue this discipline further.

The aim of this book, first published in 1979, is to provide a sound basic introduction to the study of grammar within linguistics. The work concentrates primarily on the core of grammatical theory rather than a single narrow theoretical viewpoint. After introductory chapters on the study of language and language as a semiotic system, the precise tasks of grammatical theory are clearly outlined. The aims and problems of generative grammar are then described, and the importance of grammatical analysis is highlighted. The central part of the book is devoted to the fundamental questions of syntactic theory and a detailed study of morphology. Finally, the author surveys the problems of grammar beyond the sentence. This title will be of interest to students of linguistics.

Balance between language-specific and language-universal -- distinction of synchronic and diachronic -- language as a structure -- language as a tool with different functions. -- Questions for study -- Further reading -- 2 Language as a semiotic system -- Some basic notions: sign, signal, symbol -- type and token -- code and message -- signal, noise and redundancy. -- Language-independent semiotic systems: traffic lights, cricket umpire's signals, etc. -- logical, mathematical and musical symbols -- paralanguage

Essential German Grammar is a student-friendly grammar and workbook designed to give learners a firm foundation on which to build a real understanding of both spoken and written German. The reference grammar section offers clear explanations of key grammar points while a separate exercise section gives students the opportunity to test themselves and put into practice what they have learned. This new edition has been revised and updated throughout. Explanations, tables and exercises have been improved and a number of the authentic texts and illustrations have been replaced by new material. Key features of this second edition include: User-friendly layout with updated 2 colour design, engaging illustrations and visually appealing tables throughout to aid the learning process Clear and accessible explanations with memorable examples informed by the latest research on the German language and presented in accordance with current teaching methodology Helpful parallels between English and German provided where relevant End-of-chapter extracts taken from contemporary journalistic or authentic literary sources, illustrating grammar in context, with model translations provided at the back of the book Material to enable better strategic learning and understanding, including a Why Grammar?—FAQ section, a glossary of grammatical terms in both English and German and a complete answer key to exercises Created especially for the new edition, a companion website at www.routledge.com/cw/kaiser offering a wealth of additional materials, including interactive exercises, quizzes and flashcards to test student understanding, downloadable PDF sheets for classroom use, PowerPoint slides for instructors and audio recordings illustrating the sounds of spoken German. Written by highly experienced lecturers in the field, Essential German Grammar is an invaluable resource for intermediate and advanced students of German (CEFR levels A2 to B2, ACTFL Novice High to Intermediate High). It is designed to function equally as a free-standing grammar or as a foundation grammar for Hammer’s German Grammar and Usage and is suitable for both classroom use and self-study.

This is a history of modern linguistics which focuses on the spread and dominance of linguistic theory originating in North America. It concentrates on the theories and influence of Bloomfield and Chomsky, and offers systematic coverage of their enormous contributions to grammatical theory over their lifespan. As well as tracing the intellectual histories of these great figures, and of others in the field, Professor Matthews follows the development and continuity of three dominant grammatical ideas in linguistics. First, the idea that the study of formal relations can and should be separated from that of meaning. Second, that sentences are composed of linear configurations of morphemes. Third, that many aspects of grammar are defined generically. His biographical and theoretical survey will be invaluable to all linguists wishing to trace the origins of their discipline.

In Basic Linguistic Theory R. M. W. Dixon provides a comprehensive guide to the nature of human languages and their description and analysis. The books are a one-stop text for undergraduate and graduate students, the triumphant outcome of a lifetime's immersion in every aspect of language, and a lasting monument to innovative scholarship.

Chomsky proposes a reformulation of the theory of transformational generative grammar that takes recent developments in the descriptive analysis of particular languages into account. Beginning in the mid-fifties and emanating largely form MIT, an approach was developed to linguistic theory and to the study of the structure of particular languages that diverges in many respects from modern linguistics. Although this approach is connected to the traditional study of languages, it differs enough in its specific conclusions about the structure and in its specific conclusions about the structure of language to warrant a name, "generative grammar." Various deficiencies have been discovered in the first attempts to formulate a theory of transformational generative grammar and in the descriptive analysis of particular languages that motivated these formulations. At the same time, it has become apparent that these formulations can be extended and deepened.The major purpose of this book is to review these developments and to propose a reformulation of the theory of transformational generative grammar that takes them into account. The emphasis in this study is syntax; semantic and phonological aspects of the language structure are discussed only insofar as they bear on syntactic theory.