Transformational Generative Grammar Quiz

Grammar and Language Acquisition

• Non-human species are not capable of learning grammar in the same way humans do, and their success rate in learning grammar is low.

Definition of Grammar

• Grammar refers to the set of rules that govern the structure of language, including phonology, syntax, and semantics.

Human Capacity for Communication

• The unique human capacity at the heart of the human communication system is the ability to create and understand complex sentences and meanings.

Competence vs. Articulation

• A native speaker's competence refers to their ability to use language correctly, whereas their ability to articulate the rules of their language refers to their conscious knowledge of grammar rules.

Essay Focus

• The focus of the essay is to discuss the nature of grammar, language acquisition, and the differences between human and non-human species in terms of language ability.

Grammar Books vs. Grammar Rules

• Grammar books provide a descriptive account of language rules, whereas grammar rules are the underlying principles that govern language structure.

Transformational Generative Grammar

• The main goal of transformational generative grammar is to explain how language users create and understand an infinite number of sentences from a finite set of rules.

Universal Grammar

• According to Chomsky and his followers, Universal Grammar refers to the innate capacity of humans to acquire language, which includes a set of universal principles and parameters that are common to all human languages.

Deep Structure vs. Surface Structure

• In generative-transformational grammar, deep structure refers to the underlying meaning of a sentence, whereas surface structure refers to the actual words and phrases used to express that meaning.

Systemic Functional Grammar

• Halliday's Systemic Functional Grammar is concerned with the social and functional aspects of language, and how language is used to create meaning in context.

Three Strata of Linguistic System

• The three strata that make up the linguistic system according to Halliday's Systemic Functional Grammar are the phonological, lexicogrammatical, and semantic strata.

Innate Component of Language Acquisition

• The main argument for an innate component to language acquisition is that children are able to acquire language rapidly and effortlessly, despite the complexity of language.

Conscious and Subconscious Knowledge

• Cognitive scientists like Krashen distinguish between conscious knowledge (learned rules) and subconscious knowledge (acquired language ability).

Prescriptive Grammar

• Prescriptive grammar involves making judgments about what is correct or incorrect in language, and is often based on social and cultural norms.

Prescriptive vs. Descriptive Grammar

• The main difference between prescriptive grammar and descriptive grammar is that prescriptive grammar focuses on what should be, whereas descriptive grammar focuses on what is.

Focus of Generative-Transformational Grammar

• The main focus of generative-transformational grammar is to explain how language users create and understand an infinite number of sentences from a finite set of rules.

Normative/Prescriptive Grammar vs. Modern Linguistics

• The main difference between normative/prescriptive grammar and modern linguistics is that modern linguistics focuses on describing language as it is used, whereas normative/prescriptive grammar focuses on prescribing how language should be used.

Goal of Descriptive Grammar

• The main goal of descriptive grammar is to describe the rules and patterns of language as they are used by speakers.

Prescriptive vs. Descriptive Grammarians

• The main difference between prescriptive grammarians and descriptive grammarians is that prescriptive grammarians focus on what is correct or incorrect, whereas descriptive grammarians focus on describing language patterns.

Standard of Formal Written English

• The standard of formal written English according to descriptive grammar is based on the language patterns used by formal writers.

Learned vs. Acquired Knowledge

• Learned knowledge refers to rules and language patterns that are consciously taught, whereas acquired knowledge refers to language ability that is developed through exposure and use.

Language Acquisition vs. Language Learning

• Classes in the formal grammar of a foreign language often fail to train people to speak those languages because they focus on learned knowledge rather than acquired language ability.

Interlanguage Grammar

• An interlanguage grammar refers to the unique language system developed by second language learners as they acquire the language.

L1 Acquirers vs. L2 Learners

• L1 acquirers are children who acquire their first language, whereas L2 learners are individuals who acquire a second language.

Task of L2 Learners

• The task that L2 learners face is to develop a new language system that is distinct from their first language.

Conscious vs. Subconscious Knowledge

• Conscious knowledge refers to language rules and patterns that are learned and can be articulated, whereas subconscious knowledge refers to language ability that is acquired and used automatically.

Immersion vs. Language Classes

• Being immersed in an environment where they can subconsciously acquire a language is much more effective than taking classes in the formal grammar of a foreign language because it allows learners to develop acquired language ability.