We study the learnability problem concerning the dative alternations in English (Baker, 1979; Pinker, 1989). We consider how first language learners productively apply the double-object and to-dative constructions ("give the book to library"/"give the library the book"), while excluding negative exceptions ("donate the…

David Lightfoot's "How to Set Parameters: Arguments from Language Change" (1991), which adopts the principles and parameters approach developed by Chomsky as part of the theory of government and binding, is reviewed. (Contains 34 references.) (LB)

This paper examines form and meaning of a class of simple sentences in which various constituents are brought into focus by the speaker. The Akan language is used, and the syntactic processes, or focus-marking, required to derive surface structures of the sentences are examined. (CK)

Contends that the rule "do not split infinitives" is a proper subset of the rule "do not split verbs," and that both should be taught. (DD)

In language use, redundant linguistic items are reduced in size, replaced with a proform or left out. This paper examines the nature of the processes involved and the conditions under which they operate. (CHK)

Attempts to solve, by means of examples, some of the current problems in predicate raising (PR) in the theory of generative semantics. (Text is in German.) (DS)

Proposes a simple grammar of modern English stressing the independence of grammar from the logical structure of sentences. Available from Liber Laeromedel, Box 1205, S-22105 Lund, Sweden. (TL)

Special issue devoted to the study of generative grammar in German-speaking countries. (VM)

This paper concerns the theory of systemic grammar developed by Halliday, Hudson and others. It suggests modifications of Hudson's generative version, and the model presented resembles transformational grammar. (CHK)

Deals with certain problems inherent in deriving anaphoric pronouns from bound variables. Syntactic rules applied to determine anaphora relations cannot be applied if anaphoric pronouns and their antecedents have identical underlying forms. An approach to anaphora which preserves some advantages of the bound-variable theory without the problems is…

This paper is a study of the subclassification of English verbs in generative grammar. It is intended to discuss the subclassification of English verbs in terms of complement types and to investigate the problem of nonlocalization in complement constructions. Some verbs permit a "whether"-complement or a "that"-complement if…

An introduction to transformational generative grammar including recommendations of textbooks for those interested in the subject. (SW)

The necessity is asserted for constructing a theory of contrastive analysis which would incorporate both translation equivalence and "form and placement of the rules in grammar" as criteria for making decisions concerning comparability. (Available from: See FL 508 214). (Author/RM)

This paper is concerned with the semantic, rather than the syntactic, nature of non-restrictive relativization, and its implications. (CK)

A class of sentences is discussed in which pronominal forms and their antecedents do not have semantic identity. "One" pronominalization, in particular, is discussed. (SC)