Introducing Syntax (Paperback)

Olaf Koeneman

ISBN 10: 1107480647 / ISBN 13: 9781107480643

Published by Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 2017

About this Item

Paperback. Syntax is the system of rules that we subconsciously follow when we build sentences. Whereas the grammar of English (or other languages) might look like a rather chaotic set of arbitrary patterns, linguistic science has revealed that these patterns can actually be understood as the result of a small number of grammatical principles. This lively introductory textbook is designed for undergraduate students in linguistics, English and modern languages with relatively little background in the subject, offering the necessary tools for the analysis of phrases and sentences while at the same time introducing state-of-the-art syntactic theory in an accessible and engaging way. Guiding students through a variety of intriguing puzzles, striking facts and novel ideas, Introducing Syntax presents contemporary insights into syntactic theory in one clear and coherent narrative, avoiding unnecessary detail and enabling readers to understand the rationale behind technicalities. Aids to learning include highlighted key terms, suggestions for further reading and numerous exercises, placing syntax in a broader grammatical perspective. Presenting key insights from contemporary syntactic theory in one clear and coherent narrative, this lively textbook provides a concise introduction to the formal theory of syntax, avoiding unnecessary detail. It is suitable for undergraduate students in linguistics, modern languages and English. Shipping may be from our Sydney, NSW warehouse or from our UK or US warehouse, depending on stock availability. Seller Inventory # 9781107480643

Bibliographic Details

Title: Introducing Syntax (Paperback)

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, Cambridge

Publication Date: 2017

Binding: Paperback

Condition: new

About this title

Synopsis:

Syntax is the system of rules that we subconsciously follow when we build sentences. Whereas the grammar of English (or other languages) might look like a rather chaotic set of arbitrary patterns, linguistic science has revealed that these patterns can actually be understood as the result of a small number of grammatical principles. This lively introductory textbook is designed for undergraduate students in linguistics, English and modern languages with relatively little background in the subject, offering the necessary tools for the analysis of phrases and sentences while at the same time introducing state-of-the-art syntactic theory in an accessible and engaging way. Guiding students through a variety of intriguing puzzles, striking facts and novel ideas, Introducing Syntax presents contemporary insights into syntactic theory in one clear and coherent narrative, avoiding unnecessary detail and enabling readers to understand the rationale behind technicalities. Aids to learning include highlighted key terms, suggestions for further reading and numerous exercises, placing syntax in a broader grammatical perspective.

Review:

'A lucid, accessible, and deeply informed introduction that leads carefully to substantial understanding of language and linguistics. A very welcome contribution.' Noam Chomsky, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

'This introduction to syntax is a new and interesting teaching tool. The way it is conceived allows the students to get insights into the reasoning mechanisms of formal syntax that go beyond technicalities. The approach is sound and solid and also provides useful exercises and activities that help the student to start working with the basic bricks of syntactic theory acquiring at the same time the gist of linguistic analysis.' Cecilia Poletto, Goethe University, Frankfurt and University of Padua, Italy