Language Form and Language Function (Language, Speech, and Communication) - Softcover

Newmeyer, Frederick J. J

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0262640449 ISBN 13: 9780262640442

Publisher: MIT Press, 2000

Synopsis

The two basic approaches to linguistics are the formalist and the functionalist approaches. In this engaging monograph, Frederick J. Newmeyer, a formalist, argues that both approaches are valid. However, because formal and functional linguists have avoided direct confrontation, they remain unaware of the compatability of their results. One of the author's goals is to make each side accessible to the other. While remaining an ardent formalist, Newmeyer stresses the limitations of a narrow formalist outlook that refuses to consider that anything of interest might have been discovered in the course of functionalist-oriented research. He argues that the basic principles of generative grammar, in interaction with principles in other linguistic domains, provide compelling accounts of phenomena that functionalists have used to try to refute the generative approach.

About this title

Review

"Newmeyer is surely the most authoritative and fairest voice urgingformalist and functionalist linguists to attend to one another'swork. This book makes a strong case that the two sides do have thingsto say to one another, and I hope each will heed Newmeyer's injunctionto listen to the other." Stephen R. Anderson , Yale University

Synopsis

The two basic approaches to linguistics are the formalist and the functionalist approaches. In this monograph, Frederick Newmeyer, a formalist, argues that both approaches are valid. However, because formal and functional linguists have avoided direct confrontation, they remain unaware of the compatability of their results. One of the author's goals is to make each side accessible to the other. While remaining an ardent formalist, Newmeyer stresses the limitations of a narrow formalist outlook that refuses to consider that anything of interest might have been discovered in the course of functionalist-orientated research. He argues that the basic principles of generative grammar, in interaction with principles in other linguistic domains, provide accounts of phenomena that functionalists have used to try to refute the generative approach.

Edition details

• Publisher: MIT Press
• Publication date: 2000
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0262640449
• ISBN 13: 9780262640442
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 443