Linguistics and the Formal Sciences: The Origins of Generative Grammar

by Marcus Tomalin

Overview

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521854818
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	02/16/2006
Series:	Cambridge Studies in Linguistics , #110
Pages:	248
Product dimensions:	6.30(w) x 9.25(h) x 0.79(d)

About the Author

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

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements; List of mathematical symbols; List of abbreviations; 1. Introduction; 2. The consequences of analysis; 3. Mathematical linguistics; 4. Systems of syntax: 1951–1955; 5. Transforming generative grammar: 1955–1957; 6. Conclusion; Notes; Bibliography; Index.