Discourse Syntax
English Grammar Beyond the Sentence

Using corpus data and insights from current research, this book introduces students to syntactic patterns motivated by discourse and genre.

Heidrun Dorgeloh (Author), Anja Wanner (Author)

9781108457040, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 27 October 2022

320 pages
22.8 x 15.1 x 1.9 cm, 0.51 kg

Discourse Syntax is the study of syntax that requires an understanding of the surrounding text and the overall discourse situation, including considerations of genre and modality. Using corpus data and insights from current research, this book is a comprehensive guide to this fast-developing field. It takes the reader 'beyond the sentence' to study grammatical phenomena, like word order variation, connectives, ellipsis, and complexity. It introduces core concepts of Discourse Syntax, integrating insights from corpus-based research and inviting the reader to reflect on research design decisions. Each chapter begins with a definition of learning outcomes, provides results from empirical articles, and enables readers to critically assess data visualization. Complete with helpful further reading recommendations as well as a range of exercises, it is geared towards intermediate to advanced students of English linguistics and it is also essential reading for anyone interested in this exciting, fast-moving discipline.

List of Figures
List of Tables
Acknowledgements
1. Introduction
2. Concepts, Data, and Methods
3. Non-Canonical Beginnings
4. Variation in the Middle
5. Special Endings
6. Connectives
7. Pronouns and Ellipsis
8. Discourse Markers
9. Grammar and Genre
References
Index.

Subject Areas: Grammar, syntax & morphology [CFK]