On critique of an anthology which contains 12 papers by 11 authors. The critique is preceded by a lengthy theoretical framework for such terms as syntax and semantics, since the anthologized authors, who represent a diversity of specialities, use such simple terms in widely differing senses. (EJS)

Discusses two causes of what is considered here the inadequacy of generative grammars. (RM)

A generative theory of language and dialect is described. Selected features of Southern American morphosyntax, and their relationship to the phrase structure rules of other American English systems, are investigated. Southern and other systems can be classified on structural criteria as dialects of one language. (SCC)

Treats the general linguistic aspect of Fillmore's theories. (RM)

Revised version of a paper supported by a National Science Foundation graduate fellowship. The universal base hypothesis states that all natural languages utilize the same base component in their transformational grammars. (DD)

Examines the level of explanatory adequacy outlined by Chomsky's theory of transformational grammar and finds it inadequate. (CK)

Discusses the principles of linguistic deviance in terms of five sets of rules and their corresponding linguistic or para-linguistic parameters. This theoretical framework relates assimilation, grammatical, lexical, referential, and reality rules to the parameters of acceptability, grammaticality, factuality, validity, and truth respectively. (EJS)

An examination of the predicates "optional" and "obligatory" is made that suggests that they are far more appropriately viewed as derived rather than primitive notions, whose appropriate attributions follow in all cases from independent linguistic facts and principles of a much more general and more generally significant character. (Author/HP)

The effect of presuppositions on the applicability of grammatical rules is discussed. It is argued that the speaker's presupposition may cause a grammatical rule to become optional. (RM)

A coherent theory of intonation in relation to syntax has not yet been formulated, partly because there is no satisfactory theory of context within a transformational generative grammar, and partly because intonation studies have been concerned with phonetic descriptions of intonation contours. This article calls for an intonation theory. (CK)

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)

Original Russian version appeared in Sign, Language, Culture,'' edited by A. Greimas et al., Mouton, 1970, p195-215. (RS)

Research supported by a Faculty Research Grant from the Social Science Research Council. (DD)