Download Generative grammar

Generative
grammar
Lynn W Zimmerman, PhD
Generative grammar
 Chomsky
– 1950s
 Finite number of rules controlling how
sentences can be formed
Structure
 Surface


what we say or write
derived structures which occur after
transformation of deep structure statements
 Deep


structure
structure
what we mean
basic structure of sentences
Ambiguity
 Individual
word – multiple meanings
There’s a fork in the road.
 More than one possible underlying
structure
Visiting linguists can be boring.
 Ambiguity is usually resolved by context.
Same meaning
 Two
surface structure sentences can be
derived from one deep structure.


The man broke the window.
The window was broken by the man.
Transformational grammar
 Change
of the surface structure
 Underlying assumption that all sentences
at the deep structure level are statements
 Rules for formation of surface structures
are actually transformations of deep
structures.
Question formation - Inversion
 Inversion
– move the first auxiliary to the
left of the subject/noun phrase


The Titanic will sink.
Will the Titanic sink?
Question formation – Do insertion
 The
babies cry.
 The babies [do] cry.
 Do the babies cry?
Question formation – Whmovement
 Wh
words fill gaps in sentences so that
they are grammatically sound.


What will Max chase? (takes the place of
the direct object)
Where has he put the bone? (takes the
place of the prepositional phrase)
Wh- transformational rule
 She
can ride her bike.
 She can ride which bike.
 Which bike can she ride?
 The
cat is sitting on the sofa.
 The cat is sitting on what?
 On what is the cat sitting?
 Where is the cat sitting?
Other types of transformations

Move the adverb to before the verb.


Delete “that” when it precedes a direct
object in a sentence.


He left quickly. He quickly left.
He told me (that) you were coming.
Prepositional phrase movement


In Chicago, school starts on Monday.
On Monday, school starts in Chicago.
Why do you need to know
this?
Why do English teachers need to know
about this aspect of linguistics?
References
 Freeman,
D. & Freeman, Y. (2014).
Essential linguistics. Portsmouth, NH:
Heinemann.
 Gass, S. & Selinker, L. (2008). Second
language acquisition. NY: Routledge.