The Modular Architecture of Grammar

A model of grammar using several independent, simultaneous modules, which allows each module to be simpler than the current theory.

Jerrold M. Sadock (Author)

9781107011946, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 12 January 2012

282 pages, 19 b/w illus.
23.5 x 16 x 1.8 cm, 0.59 kg

'Simply and clearly, Jerrold Sadock presents a new formulation of his idea that grammar is specified by a handful of completely autonomous, parallel modules, demonstrating it with stimulating accounts of major features of English.' Tony Woodbury, University of Texas

Modular grammar postulates several autonomous generative systems interacting with one another as opposed to the prevailing theory of transformational grammar where there is a single generative component – the syntax – from which other representations are derived. In this book Jerrold Sadock develops his influential theory of grammar, formalizing several generative modules that independently characterize the levels of syntax, semantics, role structure, morphology and linear order, as well as an interface system that connects them. Multi-modular grammar provides simpler, more intuitive analyses of grammatical phenomena and allows for greater empirical coverage than prevailing styles of grammar. The book illustrates this with a wide-ranging analysis of English grammatical phenomena, including raising, control, passive, inversion, do-support, auxiliary verbs and ellipsis. The modules are simple enough to be cast as phrase structure grammars and are presented in sufficient detail to make descriptions of grammatical phenomena more explicit than the approximate accounts offered in other studies.

1. Autonomous modularity: syntax and semantics
2. The interface
3. Role structure
4. The linear order component
5. Morphology and morphophonology
6. Gaps and other defective elements
7. Conflict resolution
8. Tough 'movement': a tough construction.

Subject Areas: Grammar, syntax & morphology [CFK]