Morphology and Syntax: Analyzing Languages

by Emma Wilson (Editor)

The branch of linguistics which studies the formation of words and the relationships between them is known as morphology. It focuses on the use of parts of words like suffixes, prefixes and root words. It also deals with the effects of parts of speech, stress, intonation and context of words. The discipline of morphology is categorized into morpheme-based morphology, lexeme-based morphology and word-based morphology. In a given language, the set of rules and processes which govern the structure of sentences are referred to as syntax. This book is a compilation of chapters that discuss the most vital concepts in the field of morphology and syntax. The topics included herein on this field are of utmost significance and bound to provide incredible insights to readers. This book is an essential guide for both academicians and those who wish to pursue this discipline further.

Genres: Linguistics

236 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1998

Reviews

[Nicholas Meriwether · Rating 4 out of 5]

So you have been tasked with writing a book about morphology and syntax for introductory linguistics. How do you keep rather dry topics like this engaging? Bickford succeeds on two levels: 1) He writes in very readable English. He will even give the reader pep talks to encourage them about encountering this new, technical vocabulary. He also succeeds by making humorous example sentences. 2) In addition to pulling from research from the world's languages, Bickford also self-consciously made example sentences about artichokes; his examples included complaints about the rampant artichoke references! In my field of Biblical Studies, I have definitely found morphology and syntax to be some of the more central, useful, and understandable parts of linguistics. This book is still dry at times (perhaps unavoidably given the subject matter, and the need to actually prove grammatical points through various languages), but it intentionally makes an effort to help the reader understand.

[Micah Sharp · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written and engaging. Could use a glossary and more concise reproduction of information, maybe in page or two long charts at the end of chapters.

[WH · Rating 5 out of 5]

Albert Bickford has an uncanny ability to explain complex ideas in a simple, clear, and logical manner.