Non–Transformational Syntax: Formal and Explicit Models of Grammar

This authoritative introduction explores the main non–transformational syntactic frameworks: Head–driven Phrase Structure Grammar, Lexical–Functional Grammar, Categorial Grammar, and Simpler Syntax. Chapters by linguiststs who have developed and shaped those theories illustrate the central properties of these four frameworks and how they handle some of the main phenomena of syntax.

Non–Transformational Syntax also explores a range of issues that arise in connection with these contemporary approaches, including questions about processing and acquisition. The chapters cover elementary principles and more advanced issues surrounding Head–driven Phrase Structure Grammar, the functional structure and interactions between morphology and syntax of Lexical–Functional Grammar, combinatory Categorial Grammar, and alternative minimalist visions of language. By shedding new light on alternate approaches to the phenomena of syntax, Non–Transformational Syntax represents an important contribution to the study of formal linguistics.

Introduction: Robert D. Borsley (University of Essex) and Kersti Börjars (University of Manchester).

1. Elementary principles of Head–driven Phrase Structure Grammar (Georgia M Green).

2. Advanced topics in Head–driven Phrase Structure Grammar Andreas (Kathol, Adam Przepiórkowski and Jesse Tseng).

3. Lexical–Functional Grammar: interactions between morphology and syntax (Rachel Nordlinger Joan Bresnan).

4. Lexical–Functional Grammar: functional structure (Helge Lødrup).

5. Combinatory Categorial Grammar (Mark Steedman and Jason Baldridge).

6. Multi–Modal Type–Logical Grammar (Richard T Oehrle).

7. Alternative minimalist visions of language (Ray Jackendoff).

8. Feature–based grammar (James P. Blevins).

9. Lexicalism, periphrasis and implicative morphology (Farrell Ackerman, Gregory T Stump and Gert Webelhuth).

10. Performance–compatible competence grammar (Ivan A Sag and Thomas Wasow).

11. Modelling grammar growth: universal grammar without innate principles or parameters (Georgia M. Green).

12. Language Acquisition with feature–based grammars (Aline Villavicencio).

Index of Subjects.

Index of Languages.

Kersti Börjars is Professor of Linguistics at the University of Manchester. She has published within the areas of morphology, historical linguistics, and morpho–syntactic theory, in particular Lexical–Functional Grammar.

Notwithstanding the above desiderata, the book is very readable, and represents an excellent introduction to the major variants of non–transformational syntax. It is highly recommended as an essential source of reference for both working syntacticians and researchers in related (sub)fields.   (The LINGUIST List, 30 May 2012)