Language Study - Generative linguistics And Functional Linguistics

Question 1

Transformational and generative theories are traditionally subdivided into

Answer 1

1. Nativist (mentalistic)
2. Cognitive (psycholinguistic)

Question 2

Nativist Approaches

Answer 2

Noam Chomsky
-The main aim of his theory: to explain our innate language competence

Question 3

Generative grammar

Answer 3

is a set of rules which operate upon a finite vocabulary and generates a set of syntagms

Question 4

Cognitive Approaches

Answer 4

stresses the continuity of language with the workings of the mind in general and seeking to ground a theory of language in accounts of cognition

Question 5

Functional Linguistics

Answer 5

• is concerned with the function of language
• It studies what the language user means by using language form, what language does and how it does it in a specific context
• It concentrates on deriving grammatical, syntactic and textual structures from the ways in which they are used
• Language is considered as a means of communication and realization of social acts
• The study of linguistic forms should take into account semantic and paradigmatic aspects
• A sort of functional-structural approach to the study of language was used: Prague School linguists
• Functional linguistic gradually evolved into several approaches

Question 6

M. Haliday

Answer 6

developed a systematic functional grammar mode
his view is also in contradiction to Chomsky´s conception whose nativist view considers the child to be genetically provided with an inner language organ which is simulated by its environment
in his view an inner ability doesn’t exist

Question 7

Dell Hymes

Answer 7

o American anthropologist
o Proposes the model of communicative competence, stressing the idea that language is more than an abstract system of rules
o It is the use of rules to communicate
o Proposes to extend the concept of competence to include linguistic knowledge as well as communicative use