Free Variation in Grammar

Free Variation in Grammar
Author :
Publisher : John Benjamins Publishing Company
Total Pages : 360
Release :
ISBN-10 : 9789027249333
ISBN-13 : 9027249334
Rating : 4/5 (33 Downloads)

Synopsis Free Variation in Grammar by : Kristin Kopf

Recent years have seen a growing interest in grammatical variation, a core explanandum of grammatical theory. The present volume explores questions that are fundamental to this line of research: First, the question of whether variation can always and completely be explained by intra- or extra-linguistic predictors, or whether there is a certain amount of unpredictable – or ‘free’ – grammatical variation. Second, the question of what implications the (in-)existence of free variation would hold for our theoretical models and the empirical study of grammar. The volume provides the first dedicated book-length treatment of this long-standing topic. Following an introductory chapter by the editors, it contains ten case studies on potentially free variation in morphology and syntax drawn from Germanic, Romance, Uralic and Mayan.

Describing and Modeling Variation in Grammar

Describing and Modeling Variation in Grammar
Author :
Publisher : Walter de Gruyter
Total Pages : 419
Release :
ISBN-10 : 9783110205909
ISBN-13 : 3110205904
Rating : 4/5 (09 Downloads)

Synopsis Describing and Modeling Variation in Grammar by : Andreas Dufter

The aim of the volume is to bridge the 'cultural gap' between sociolinguistics and theoretical linguistics in the study of variation. The various contributions seek to combine corpus-based and competence-based approaches. They document the plurality

Variation and Gradience in Phonetics and Phonology

Variation and Gradience in Phonetics and Phonology
Author :
Publisher : Walter de Gruyter
Total Pages : 437
Release :
ISBN-10 : 9783110219326
ISBN-13 : 3110219328
Rating : 4/5 (26 Downloads)

Synopsis Variation and Gradience in Phonetics and Phonology by : Frank Kügler

This book provides an overview of current issues in variation and gradience in phonetics, phonology and sociolinguistics. It contributes to the growing interest in gradience and variation in theoretical phonology by combing research on the factors underlying variability and systematic quantitative results with theoretical phonological considerations. Variation is inherent to language, and one of the aims of phonological theory is to describe and explain the mechanisms underlying variation at every level of phonological representation. Variation below the segment concerns articulatory, acoustic and perceptual cues that contribute to the formation of natural classes of sounds. At the segmental level there are grammatical differences in the production and perception of contextual variation of segments and in the syntagmatic constraints on the combination of segments. At the suprasegmental level the mapping of tones to grammatical functions and vice versa is discussed. Further aspects addressed in this book are factors outside of language: Variation that arises as a result of a particular dialect or of belonging to a certain age group, or variation that is the consequence of language change. Gradience and variation have always been a central issue in phonetic and sociolinguistic research. Gradience introduces variation in phonology as well. If a phonetic entity can be pronounced in different ways, depending on the environment, prosodic factors or dialectal influences, this ‘gradience’ may introduce ‘variation’, which we understand as a stable state of grammar.

Grammatical Theory

Grammatical Theory
Author :
Publisher : University of Chicago Press
Total Pages : 212
Release :
ISBN-10 : 0226577198
ISBN-13 : 9780226577197
Rating : 4/5 (98 Downloads)

Synopsis Grammatical Theory by : Frederick J. Newmeyer

Newmeyer persuasively defends the controversial theory of transformational generative grammar. Grammatical Theory is for every linguist, philosopher, or psychologist who is skeptical of generative grammar and wants to learn more about it. Newmeyer's formidable scholarship raises the level of debate on transformational generative grammar. He stresses the central importance of an autonomous formal grammar, discusses the limitations of "discourse-based" approaches to syntax, cites support for generativist theory in recent research, and clarifies misunderstood concepts associated with generative grammar.

The Cambridge Handbook of English Corpus Linguistics

The Cambridge Handbook of English Corpus Linguistics
Author :
Publisher : Cambridge University Press
Total Pages : 757
Release :
ISBN-10 : 9781316298701
ISBN-13 : 1316298701
Rating : 4/5 (01 Downloads)

Synopsis The Cambridge Handbook of English Corpus Linguistics by : Douglas Biber

The Cambridge Handbook of English Corpus Linguistics (CHECL) surveys the breadth of corpus-based linguistic research on English, including chapters on collocations, phraseology, grammatical variation, historical change, and the description of registers and dialects. The most innovative aspects of the CHECL are its emphasis on critical discussion, its explicit evaluation of the state of the art in each sub-discipline, and the inclusion of empirical case studies. While each chapter includes a broad survey of previous research, the primary focus is on a detailed description of the most important corpus-based studies in this area, with discussion of what those studies found, and why they are important. Each chapter also includes a critical discussion of the corpus-based methods employed for research in this area, as well as an explicit summary of new findings and discoveries.

Analysing Sociolinguistic Variation

Analysing Sociolinguistic Variation
Author :
Publisher : Cambridge University Press
Total Pages : 263
Release :
ISBN-10 : 9781139451321
ISBN-13 : 1139451324
Rating : 4/5 (21 Downloads)

Synopsis Analysing Sociolinguistic Variation by : Sali A. Tagliamonte

The study of how language varies in social context, and how it can be analyzed and accounted for, are the key goals of sociolinguistics. Until now, however, the actual tools and methods have been largely passed on through 'word of mouth', rather than being formally documented. This is the first comprehensive 'how to' guide to the formal analysis of sociolinguistic variation. It shows step-by-step how the analysis is carried out, leading the reader through every stage of a research project from start to finish. Topics covered include fieldwork, data organization and management, analysis and interpretation, presenting research results, and writing up a paper. Practical and informal, the book contains all the information needed to conduct a fully-fledged sociolinguistic investigation, and includes exercises, checklists, references and insider tips. It is set to become an essential resource for students, researchers and fieldworkers embarking on research projects in sociolinguistics.

Understanding English Language Variation in U.S. Schools

Understanding English Language Variation in U.S. Schools
Author :
Publisher : Teachers College Press
Total Pages : 312
Release :
ISBN-10 : 9780807774021
ISBN-13 : 0807774022
Rating : 4/5 (21 Downloads)

Synopsis Understanding English Language Variation in U.S. Schools by : Anne H. Charity Hudley

In today’s culturally diverse classrooms, students possess and use many culturally, ethnically, and regionally diverse English language varieties that may differ from standardized English. This book helps classroom teachers become attuned to these differences and offers practical strategies to support student achievement while fostering positive language attitudes in classrooms and beyond. The text contrasts standardized varieties of English with Southern, Appalachian, and African American English varieties, focusing on issues that are of everyday concern to those who are assessing the linguistic competence of students. Featuring a narrative style with teaching strategies and discussion questions, this practical resource: Provides a clear, introductory explanation of what is meant by non-standard English, from both linguistic and educational viewpoints. Emphasizes what educators needs to know about language variation in and outside of the classroom. Addresses the social factors accompanying English language variation and how those factors interact in real classrooms. “A landmark book. . . . It guides linguists and educators as we all work to apply our knowledge on behalf of those for whom it matters most: students.” —From the Afterword by Walt Wolfram, North Carolina State University “In the ongoing debate about language we typically hear arguments about what students say and/or how they say it. Finally, a volume that takes on the ‘elephant in the parlor’—WHO is saying it. By laying bare the complicated issues of race, culture, region, and ethnicity, Charity Hudley and Mallinson provide a scholarly significant and practically relevant text for scholars and practitioners alike. This is bound to be an important contribution to the literature.” —Gloria Ladson-Billings, University of Wisconsin–Madison “An invaluable guide for teachers, graduate students, and all lovers of language. The authors provide a comprehensive and fascinating account of Southern and African American English, showing how it differs from standardized English, how those differences affect children in the classroom, and how teachers can use these insights to better serve their students.” —Deborah Tannen, University Professor and professor of linguistics, Georgetown University

Cognitive Phonology in Construction Grammar

Cognitive Phonology in Construction Grammar
Author :
Publisher : Walter de Gruyter
Total Pages : 285
Release :
ISBN-10 : 9783110920598
ISBN-13 : 311092059X
Rating : 4/5 (98 Downloads)

Synopsis Cognitive Phonology in Construction Grammar by : Riitta Välimaa-Blum

This textbook is an accessible introduction to both English phonology and phonology in general. It analyzes some central phenomena of the sound system of two standard varieties of English, Southern British English and General American. The framework adopted is Cognitive Linguistics and Construction Grammar, and this entails in particular that all the elements of the sound system are tightly interwoven with the meaningful units: morphemes, words, phrases and sentences. The book contains chapters on articulatory phonetics, sounds and meaning, alternation patterns, word stress and intonation. Each chapter ends with an invitation to analyze English and other languages with the tools of Cognitive Linguistics. The book is designed for students as well as teachers of English and linguistics, and while the target readership should already have a background in linguistics, a beginner in phonology will find all the basic concepts clearly defined.

The Study of Second Language Acquisition

The Study of Second Language Acquisition
Author :
Publisher : Oxford University
Total Pages : 836
Release :
ISBN-10 : 0194371891
ISBN-13 : 9780194371896
Rating : 4/5 (91 Downloads)

Synopsis The Study of Second Language Acquisition by : Rod Ellis

An up to date comprehensive introduction to second language acqusition research. Contains a general framework for the study of second language acquisition, provides a general description of learner language, accounts for the role of the linguistic environment, examines the learner's internal mechanisms, explores individual differences in language learning and reviews the expanding research on classroom second language acquisition.

The Oxford Dictionary of English Grammar

The Oxford Dictionary of English Grammar
Author :
Publisher : OXFORD University Press
Total Pages : 472
Release :
ISBN-10 : 9780192800879
ISBN-13 : 0192800876
Rating : 4/5 (79 Downloads)

Synopsis The Oxford Dictionary of English Grammar by : Sylvia Chalker

English grammar has changed a great deal since the beginning of the Twentieth Century, and it is a subject that can provide a complex minefield of uncertainties within the language. This accessible and comprehensive dictionary comes to the aid of both the general reader and the student or teacher, offering straightforward and immediate A-Z access to 1,000 grammatical terms and their meanings. All the currently accepted terms of grammar are included, as well as older, traditional names, controversial new coinages, and items from the study of other languages. Concise definitions of the wider subject of linguistics, including phonetics and transformational grammar, are accompanied by examples of language in use, and frequent quotations from existing works on grammar.