电子科技大学：《语言学通论 General Linguistics》课程教学资源（课件讲稿）03 Formalist Approach

Syntax Formalist Approach 楚军外国语学院 (SS ST)

Formalist Approach (SS & ST) 楚军 外国语学院 Syntax

Introduction In 1957,Syntactic Structures (a 108-page monograph)was published,signifying the beginning of Chomskyan revolution

Introduction • In 1957, Syntactic Structures (a 108-page monograph) was published, signifying the beginning of Chomskyan revolution

Features of the theory of TG The theoretical goal: (1)The goal of traditional grammar,esp.the prescriptive school grammar- for language teaching,emphasizing the purity and correctness of language. (2)The goal of structuralist grammar- for search of the structure of a specific language

Features of the theory of TG The theoretical goal: (1) The goal of traditional grammar, esp. the prescriptive school grammar— for language teaching, emphasizing the purity and correctness of language. (2) The goal of structuralist grammar— for search of the structure of a specific language

Features of the theory of TG (3)The goal of the linguistic theory for Chomskyan TG grammar- to express the process of language acquisition of the native speakers, to establish the general principles shared by all the human languages:Universal Grammar

Features of the theory of TG (3) The goal of the linguistic theory for Chomskyan TG grammar— to express the process of language acquisition of the native speakers, to establish the general principles shared by all the human languages: Universal Grammar

Features of the theory of TG As for the second question: Chomsky believes the language structure is determined by the structure of the human brain (language is "mirror of mind"),thus there existing language universals. The research about a specific language- particular grammar, The research about language universals- universal grammar

Features of the theory of TG • As for the second question: Chomsky believes the language structure is determined by the structure of the human brain (language is “mirror of mind”), thus there existing language universals. The research about a specific language— particular grammar; The research about language universals— universal grammar

Features of the theory of TG Particular Grammar: --a systematical description about the native speakers' language ability. Universal Grammar: --a system of certain principles shared by all human languages,i.e.,the essential core of languages. Universal grammar is actually the theory of language acquisition,i.e.,the initial state of the process of children's language acquisition. Particular grammar refers to the final state,i.e.,the language form and structure which children acquired

Features of the theory of TG Particular Grammar: --a systematical description about the native speakers’ language ability. Universal Grammar: --a system of certain principles shared by all human languages, i.e., the essential core of languages. Universal grammar is actually the theory of language acquisition, i.e., the initial state of the process of children’s language acquisition. Particular grammar refers to the final state, i.e., the language form and structure which children acquired

Features of the theory of TG Chomsky divides language universals into absolute universals and relative universals. Absolute universals refer to all the property any language possesses,with no exception,such as abstractness,creativity,etc.,of languages Relative universals refer to the general tendencies of all languages,with some exceptions,e.g.,the theory of markedness with “marked”and“unmarkedi”distinction

Features of the theory of TG • Chomsky divides language universals into absolute universals and relative universals. Absolute universals refer to all the property any language possesses, with no exception, such as abstractness, creativity, etc., of languages. Relative universals refer to the general tendencies of all languages, with some exceptions, e.g., the theory of markedness with “marked” and “unmarked” distinction

Features of the theory of TG 2.Targets of research: For traditional grammar- the written or literary language; For structural grammar- oral language; For Chomskyan theory of TG- the competence of a person

Features of the theory of TG 2. Targets of research: For traditional grammar— the written or literary language; For structural grammar— oral language; For Chomskyan theory of TG— the competence of a person

Features of the theory of TG 3.Research approach: For Chomskyan linguistics,the research approach is “hypothesis-.deduction method”(假设-演绎法) As for the philosophical basis, Structuralism is philosophically based on empiricism,i.e., logical empiricism(逻辑经验主义)or logical positivism (逻辑实证主义)，and structuralism is psychologically based on behaviorism. Chomsky's TG grammar is philosophically based on rationalism(理性主义)，and TG grammar is mathematics-and-psychology based grammar

Features of the theory of TG 3. Research approach: For Chomskyan linguistics, the research approach is “hypothesis-deduction method” (假设-演绎法). As for the philosophical basis, Structuralism is philosophically based on empiricism, i.e., logical empiricism (逻辑经验主义) or logical positivism (逻辑实证主义), and structuralism is psychologically based on behaviorism. Chomsky’s TG grammar is philosophically based on rationalism (理性主义), and TG grammar is mathematics-and-psychology based grammar

Introduction:Phases of Chomskyan linguistic theory 1950's SS(Syntactic Structures)Model (early patterns); 1960's ST(Standard Theory)Model (Aspects Model or Standard Theory); 1970's EST (Extended Standard Theory)Model; 1980's GB(Government and Binding)Model; 1990's MP(Minimalist Programme)Model

Introduction: Phases of Chomskyan linguistic theory • 1950’s SS (Syntactic Structures) Model (early patterns); • 1960’s ST (Standard Theory) Model (Aspects Model or Standard Theory); • 1970’s EST (Extended Standard Theory) Model; • 1980’s GB (Government and Binding) Model; • 1990’s MP (Minimalist Programme) Model