Language Form and Language Function (Language, Speech, and Communication) (Language, Speech, and Communication Series)

Newmeyer, Frederick J. J

ISBN 10: 0262640449 / ISBN 13: 9780262640442

Published by MIT Press, 2000

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Bibliographic Details

• Title: Language Form and Language Function (Language, Speech, and Communication) (Language, Speech, and Communication Series)
• Publisher: MIT Press
• Publication Date: 2000
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0262640449
• ISBN 13: 9780262640442
• Binding: paperback
• Condition: New
• Book Type: book

About this title

Synopsis

The two basic approaches to linguistics are the formalist and the functionalist approaches. In this engaging monograph, Frederick J. Newmeyer, a formalist, argues that both approaches are valid. However, because formal and functional linguists have avoided direct confrontation, they remain unaware of the compatability of their results. One of the author's goals is to make each side accessible to the other. While remaining an ardent formalist, Newmeyer stresses the limitations of a narrow formalist outlook that refuses to consider that anything of interest might have been discovered in the course of functionalist-oriented research. He argues that the basic principles of generative grammar, in interaction with principles in other linguistic domains, provide compelling accounts of phenomena that functionalists have used to try to refute the generative approach.

About the Author

Frederick J. Newmeyer is Chair of the Department of Linguistics, University of Washington.