This paper presents a class of sentences that certain syntactic rules of English would be expected to produce, but that are not grammatical. The sentences all involve the raising of a sentential Noun Phrase (NP) and the subsequent application of some syntactic rule to that senential NP. A constraint, referred to as the Antigone Constraint, is…

An inquiry into the internal structure of infl has led to the view in the generative grammar that universally the head of the I(nfl)P(hrase) is decompositional in that a series of functional categories can be located there, e.g. T(ense)P(hrase), Agr(eement)P(hrase), Neg(ation)P(hrase), Asp(ect)P(hrase), etc.; each of these categories projects its…

Explores the systematic arrangement of elements in American Sign Language and compares it with English syntax. (KM)

The essay attempts to show how the theoretical and methodological discussion found in the study of word-formation can be made fruitful in foreign language teaching. According to the writer, the aspects to be regarded in teaching are: the syntagma principle, the concept of word class, and syntactic analysis - without these the teaching of rules of…

Examines the similarity of clitic to other syntactic relationships, such as modifier plus noun, and demonstrates that the consistency of linking in each case may reflect a syntactic unity justifying obligatory liaison. (MSE)

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

The notions of categorical selection (c-selection) and semantic selection (s-selection) as outlined in recent research on generative grammar are discussed. The first section addresses the type of selectional constraint imposed on English small clauses (e.g., "John considers [Mary smart]"). In the second section, it is suggested that the constraint…

The spontaneous use of two deictic forms in the speech of Samoan children was examined. Recordings were made of four Samoan children interacting with their families at monthly intervals over a ten-month period. The children were approximately 2 years old at the start of the study. The speech elements examined were the particles signifying…

The form and function of conditional structures in the speech of English speaking children between the ages of 2;6 and 8 years were investigated. Two types of conditionals were distinguished: reality conditionals and unreality conditionals. Data were obtained from audiotapes of the subjects under naturalistic conditions. A five-stage acquisition…

Considers the various usages of 'interesting' in English as a problem confronted by non-native English speakers learning the language. (LG)

Calls "pro-words" those which refer to a preceding substantive. They are (1) pronouns, (2) pronominal adverbs - "dadurch,""hiermit,""wofur," etc., and (3) pro-adverbs - "dort,""dann," etc. Both (2) and (3) stand for combinations of preposition plus preceding substantive; (3) does this only semantically, while (2) marks the relation overtly. (Text…

Discusses syntax and the use of syntagma in English poetry. (CK)