An Introduction to Syntactic Theory

by Edith A. Moravcsik

Provides an introduction to syntactic theory. This book includes theories such as transformational generative grammar, relational grammar, word grammar, functional grammar, and optimality theory. It also includes chapter summaries, suggestions for further reading, exercises, a glossary of terms, and an appendix for analysis or reference.

272 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 6, 2006

Reviews

[Alec · Rating 4 out of 5]

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).

[Melody Violine · Rating 4 out of 5]

helpful, thanks!