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An Introduction to Syntactic Theory by Edith A. Moravcsik
This textbook provides a comprehensive, balanced introduction to syntactic theory. The author shows how the diversity of syntactic theories, which at first seems confusing, can be approached by examining how each deals with conflicting data. This approach helps the student to understand how syntactic theories are related to each other, what they necessarily have in common, and in what ways they actually differ. Theories introduced here include Transformational Generative Grammar, Relational Grammar, Word Grammar, Functional Grammar, and Optimality Theory, amongst others. An Introduction to Syntactic Theory will be essential reading for undergraduate students of linguistics, whether they are new to the subject or studying it at a more advanced level.
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First published June 6, 2006
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
April 28, 2012
It is a well written work, and in such a way that it would make a great course for sophomore linguists, who get tangled in terminology and, by lack of choice, find themselves drawn into a particular paradigm (or no paradigm). At least so it happens where I've seen it happen.
Two shortcomings leap to the eye:
a) some "basic" terminology is never explained; what are "selector" and "selectee" one is supposed to know to get other, more basic stuff, explained. Maybe that is included in the "Introduction to Syntax", meant to be taught in parallel or as a prerequisite. I did not read that, and this mitigates this particular quibble.
b) the end of the book seems to be written in a rush, accelerating and crumbling like an inscription on a wall running to an end. One may suppose that the theories described in the penultimate chapter are increasingly unimportant or non-influential, or aged, but I do not want to suppose that. The last chapter is obviously written in a train.
Other than that, it is an outstanding work that I'd recommend any beginner (or a student who, as is usually the case, is advanced and confused).
Two shortcomings leap to the eye:
a) some "basic" terminology is never explained; what are "selector" and "selectee" one is supposed to know to get other, more basic stuff, explained. Maybe that is included in the "Introduction to Syntax", meant to be taught in parallel or as a prerequisite. I did not read that, and this mitigates this particular quibble.
b) the end of the book seems to be written in a rush, accelerating and crumbling like an inscription on a wall running to an end. One may suppose that the theories described in the penultimate chapter are increasingly unimportant or non-influential, or aged, but I do not want to suppose that. The last chapter is obviously written in a train.
Other than that, it is an outstanding work that I'd recommend any beginner (or a student who, as is usually the case, is advanced and confused).
May 31, 2011
helpful, thanks!
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews