Linguistics and the Formal Sciences: The Origins of Generative Grammar

Paperback / softback

Main Details

Title Linguistics and the Formal Sciences: The Origins of Generative Grammar
Authors and Contributors      By (author) Marcus Tomalin
SeriesCambridge Studies in Linguistics
Physical Properties
Format:Paperback / softback
Pages:248
Dimensions(mm): Height 229,Width 152
Category/GenreHistorical and comparative linguistics
Grammar and syntax
ISBN/Barcode 9780521066488
ClassificationsDewey:415
Audience
Professional & Vocational
Illustrations Worked examples or Exercises

Publishing Details

Publisher Cambridge University Press
Imprint Cambridge University Press
Publication Date 26 May 2008
Publication Country United Kingdom

Description

The formal sciences, particularly mathematics, have had a profound influence on the development of linguistics. This insightful overview looks at techniques that were introduced in the fields of mathematics, logic and philosophy during the twentieth century, and explores their effect on the work of various linguists. In particular, it discusses the 'foundations crisis' that destabilised mathematics at the start of the twentieth century, the numerous related movements which sought to respond to this crisis, and how they influenced the development of syntactic theory in the 1950s. The book concludes by discussing the resulting major consequences for syntactic theory, and provides a detailed reassessment of Chomsky's early work at the advent of Generative Grammar. Informative and revealing, this book will be invaluable to all those working in formal linguistics, in particular those interested in its history and development.

Author Biography

Marcus Tomalin is a Fellow of Downing College, University of Cambridge, and a Research Associate in the Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge.