Grammar as Science

by Richard K. Larson, Kimiko Ryokai (Illustrator)

This introductory text takes a novel approach to the study of syntax. Grammar as Science offers an introduction to syntax as an exercise in scientific theory construction. Syntax provides an excellent instrument for introducing students from a wide variety of backgrounds to the principles of scientific theorizing and scientific thought; it engages general intellectual themes present in all scientific theorizing as well as those arising specifically within the modern cognitive sciences. The book is intended for students majoring in linguistics as well as non-linguistics majors who are taking the course to fulfill undergraduate requirements. Grammar as Science covers such core topics in syntax as phrase structure, constituency, the lexicon, inaudible elements, movement rules, and transformational constraints, while emphasizing scientific reasoning skills. The individual units are organized thematically into sections that highlight important components of this enterprise, including choosing between theories, constructing explicit arguments for hypotheses, and the conflicting demands that push us toward expanding our technical toolkit on the one hand and constraining it on the other. Grammar as Science is constructed as a "laboratory science" course in which students actively experiment with linguistic data. Syntactica, a software application tool that allows students to create and explore simple grammars in a graphical, interactive way, is available online in conjunction with the book. Students are encouraged to "try the rules out," and build grammars rule-by-rule, checking the consequences at each stage.

Genres: Linguistics, Textbooks, Nonfiction

456 pages, Paperback

First published December 30, 2009

Reviews

[Ellie J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5 stars
Recommended for people who like: linguistics, syntax, human language, English language

Had to read this for a summer linguistics class I'm taking. I will say, I was initially wary of this book simply due to how my professor is structuring the class and so I thought the book would also have a long, drawn-out way to it, but I was pleasantly surprised to find that isn't the case. The book actually moves pretty quickly and isn't too bogged down in technical terms or long paragraphs that you have to repeatedly reread in order to understand. This is definitely a textbook where you end up accidentally reading more than the assigned reading simply because it's easy to understand and the author keeps the subject interesting.

Would recommend for linguistic students or anyone in general who's interested in syntax.

[Lucas · Rating 4 out of 5]

EDIT: fixed some terrible sentences.

There's always more room for making syntax approachable. Few want to read Chomsky's god-awful, giant (and often imparsable) sentences (see Chomsky Bot) so there is always a need for more approachable writing on Generative Grammar. The beauty of this book, however, is also one of its largest downfalls. Taking the "logic of argumentation" approach provides a fantastic, solid basis by which to learn grammar and leave readers with a very thorough understanding of it. The problem with this approach is that if one does not read the book in its entirety, they will be left in many ways worse off than they would have been with a different book. One will slowly learn method and the reasoning behind such a structure as the incredibly simple "everything is a daughter of S and sister to eachother" approach before immediately abandoning it in the next chapter when a problem presents itself. Chapter by chapter previous approaches are skillfully and concisely explained leaving the reader with a thorough grasp on why theory has moved the direction it has. Yet with each chapter one's previous understanding is dashed to pieces creating a cycle of critical thinking and reanalysis, beautifully mirroring both the history and the processes involved in generative syntactic theory. In the end, the conclusion comes about rather abruptly as well, making the cumulative approach anticlimactic. The book would greatly benefit from a "further reading recommendations" list or even a solid couple of pages of summary, instead of the preexisting two short paragraphs.

First and foremost, this book is an excellent introduction to logic of argumentation, yet with a framing in syntax. You will learn syntax, learn it well, and learn it clearly. Just make sure your reading is a complete one since it is a bit too easy to wander off the path early and arrive at the wrong conclusion.