1. Generative grammar Lynn W Zimmerman, PhD

2. Generative grammar  Chomsky – 1950s  Finite number of rules controlling how sentences can be formed

3. Structure  Surface structure  what we say or write  derived structures which occur after transformation of deep structure statements  Deep structure  what we mean  basic structure of sentences

4. Ambiguity  Individual word – multiple meanings There’s a fork in the road.  More than one possible underlying structure Visiting linguists can be boring.  Ambiguity is usually resolved by context.

5. Same meaning  Two surface structure sentences can be derived from one deep structure.  The man broke the window.  The window was broken by the man.

6. Transformational grammar  Change of the surface structure  Underlying assumption that all sentences at the deep structure level are statements  Rules for formation of surface structures are actually transformations of deep structures.

7. Question formation - Inversion  Inversion – move the first auxiliary to the left of the subject/noun phrase  The Titanic will sink.  Will the Titanic sink?

8. Question formation – Do insertion  The babies cry.  The babies [do] cry.  Do the babies cry?

9. Question formation – Wh- movement  Wh words fill gaps in sentences so that they are grammatically sound.  What will Max chase? (takes the place of the direct object)  Where has he put the bone? (takes the place of the prepositional phrase)

10. Wh- transformational rule  She can ride her bike.  She can ride which bike.  Which bike can she ride?  The cat is sitting on the sofa.  The cat is sitting on what?  On what is the cat sitting?  Where is the cat sitting?

11. Other types of transformations  Move the adverb to before the verb.  He left quickly. He quickly left.  Delete “that” when it precedes a direct object in a sentence.  He told me (that) you were coming.  Prepositional phrase movement  In Chicago, school starts on Monday.  On Monday, school starts in Chicago.

12. Why do you need to know this? Why do English teachers need to know about this aspect of linguistics?

13. References  Freeman, D. & Freeman, Y. (2014). Essential linguistics. Portsmouth, NH: Heinemann.  Gass, S. & Selinker, L. (2008). Second language acquisition. NY: Routledge.