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Unit 28: Transformational Generative Grammar

though only one surface structure; “The boy will read the book” and “The book will be read by Notes
the boy” have different surface structures, but one and the same deep structure, hence they
have the same meaning.
• This produced a rather element theory of the relation of syntax to semantics and phonology:
the two components of the syntax, the base component and the transformational component,
generate deep structures and surface structures respectively. Deep structures are the input to
the semantic component, which describes their meaning. Surface structures are the input to the
phonological component, which describes their sound. In short, deep structure determines
meaning, surface structure determines sound.
• Chomsky’s work is one of the most remarkable intellectual achievements of the present era,
comparable in scope and coherence to the work of Keynes or Freud. It has done more than
simply produce a revolution in linguistics; it has created a new disciplineof generative grammar
and is having a revolutionary effect on two other subjects, philosophy and psychology. Not the
least of its merits is that it provides an extremely powerful tool even for those who disagree
with many features of Chomsky’s approach to language.
28.8 Key-Words

1. Fabula : The events of a narrative.
2. Pastiche : A work made up of imitation of other work(s); unlike parody, pastiche is not
necessarily designed to ridicule.
28.9 Review Questions

1. Draw IC diagrams for the following :
(i) Books, (ii) Oxen,
(iii) Children, (iv) Unpardonable,
(v) The English teacher, (vi) Visiting linguists can be a nuisance,
(vii) Many people abroad don’t seem to know about the Indo-Bangladesh discussions.
2. Draw PS tree-diagrams and frame PS. rules for the sentences given below :
(i) Linguistics is an interesting subject. (ii) Phonetics is a fascinating study.
(iii) Semantics is a difficult branch.
3. What are the limitations of PS grammar ?
4. What is the difference between PS rules and Transformational rules ?
5. What, according to Chomsky, are the goals of linguistic theory ?
6. What is a generative grammar ?
7. What is a transformational grammar ?
8. What is a systemic grammar ? How does it differ from transformational grammar ?
9. What is a case grammar ?
10. What is a stratificational grammar ?
11. What components are required in transformational-generative grammar in :
(i) 1957 Version ? (ii) 1965 Version ?
12. Are T-rules ordered ? Illustrate and amplify.
13. Bring out the critical difference between structural syntax and transformational generative syntax
with reference to the analyses of the following :
(i) The girls enjoyed the movie as much as their escorts,
(ii) The love of God.

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