Understanding Syntax (Understanding Language) - Softcover

Tallerman, Maggie

3.29

113 ratings by Goodreads

9780340603772: Understanding Syntax (Understanding Language)

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0340603771 ISBN 13: 9780340603772

Publisher: Routledge, 1998

View all copies of this ISBN edition:

Assuming no prior knowledge of linguistics, it discusses and illustrates all the major terms and concepts essential to the study of sentence structure in the world's languages. 'Noun' and 'verb' are explained, and the properties of these categories are discussed. The reader discovers what a finite verb is, what 'first person singular' means and what relative clauses look like. Concepts such as 'subject', 'object', 'gender', 'case', and 'subordination' are introduced and exemplified.
Initial illustration is from English whenever possible, with extensive additional material from several other languages. 'Exotic' constructions not found in related European languages are fully covered, so that verb serialization, ergative languages and head-marking languages are all included.

"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.

Review:

'Tallerman's strongly comparative approach to introducing the basic concepts of syntax has materialised in a very readable and interesting book...Understanding Syntax is an absolute pleasure to read, thanks to its casual, down-to-earth style. It is user-friendly and accessible, and takes its readers seriously'
GLOT International

Synopsis:

An introduction to the main categories, constructions, terminology and problems associated with syntax, providing a basis from which students can proceed to more advanced work. It also teaches the reader how to read non-English examples by studying interlinear glosses.

"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.