Syntax: A Linguistic Introduction to Sentence Structure - Softcover

Brown, Keith; Miller, Jim

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0415084210 ISBN 13: 9780415084215

Publisher: Routledge, 1991

Synopsis

The second edition of this invaluable introductory text takes account of developments in syntactic studies. Dealing with the whole range of syntax, this book explains, in a lucid and approachable way, why linguists have adopted certain solutions to problems and not others. This book introduces the basic concepts used in the description of syntax, independently of any single model of grammar. Profusely illustrated with diagrams, there are sets of exercises for every chapter which can be used in class or by students working independently.

About this title

About the Author

Jim Miller is a Lecturer in the Department of Phonetics and Linguistics at the University of Edinburgh. Keith Brown is a Professor in the Department of Language and Linguistics at the University of Essex.

From the Back Cover

The study of syntax is fundamental to linguistics and language study, but it is often taught solely within the framework of transformational grammar. This book is unique in several respects: it introduces the basic concepts used in the description of syntax, independently of any single model of grammar. Most grammatical models fail to deal adequately with one aspect of syntax or another, and the authors argue that an understanding of the concepts used in any full description of language is crucial for assessing the strengths and weaknesses of formal grammars. Formal approaches to some of these concepts are critically examined. This book will train students, of either linguistics or language, to understand and make the best use of any grammar they encounter. Secondly, the book deals with the whole of syntax from immediate constituents and relations between sentences. It also examines concepts like subject and object, agent and patient, topic, comment and theme. Thirdly, there is a section on morphology, and a discussion of the relationship between syntax and morphology. As a book which explains, in a lucid and approachable way, why linguists have adopted certain solutions to problems and not others, this will be an invaluable introductory text. It is profusely illustrated with diagrams, and there are sets of exercises for every chapter which can be used in class, or by students working independently. This second edition has been extensively revised to take account of recent developments in syntactic studies.

Edition details

• Publisher: Routledge
• Publication date: 1991
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0415084210
• ISBN 13: 9780415084215
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 2
• Number of pages: 400