Understanding Syntax (Understanding Language) [Paperback]

The core aim of this publication is to take the uninitiated reader, as I was myself when entering a degree in Linguistics, and develop a full and comprehensive understanding of the fundamental principles that guide the discipline.

The first chapter is a concise introduction that explains exactly what Syntax is. The difference between Syntax and the more general term Grammar is illuminated, Typology of language is presented, and popular myths about the prescriptive use of grammar are dispelled. The use of linguistic examples is highlighted, with particular attention paid to explaining why we should not restrict these to just English. Evidence from a variety of languages is crucial if linguists are to successfully posit universal theories that apply cross-linguistically. And don't worry if you can't read any other languages, a full explanation of how to use and read them is given.

Next comes a detailed discussion about the different classes of words. It is here that the important practice of syntactic tests is introduced to show how to identify exactly what class (or classes) a word really is. The concept that verbs can be divided into a variety of sub-classes is raised, (e.g. transitive and intransitive), and complicated ideas that have troubled schoolkids for generations, such as predicates and arguments, are explained with a skillful simplicity.

From here we delve deeper and explore just how phrasal units actually fit together to form sentences. The discussion explains the difference between finite, non-finite and auxiliary verbs, and shows how and when these various forms apply to simple sentences and more complex structures like relative or infinitival clauses. Throughout topics and sections are introduced in a logical fashion, and clear examples are used to make understanding easy.

The next chapter is a detailed examination of head words and phrases, and their relationship with dependent structure. Anyone who goes on further with linguistic study will soon find out the importance of heads, especially when they reach the X-Bar theory of Syntax as pioneered by Chomsky (1986; Cambridge; MIT Press), which they undoubtedly will.

We are then introduced to constituent structure, another fundamental tenet of Generative Linguistics. Tallerman also takes this opportunity to introduce Tree Diagrams, as well as Bracketed syntactic representations, two alternative ways to express the categories and functions contained within a clause. At the end of the chapter, the bar notation associated with X-Bar theory is unraveled, reducing a pedagogic monster with big teeth to a small furry beast that nips occasionally!

Following this comes the exposition of relationships within the clause. Here the author focuses on phrasal order, case systems, agreement and grammatical relations, with extensive examples from a wide variety of languages, including Warlpiri, Icelandic and German. New concepts are introduced, including the dichotomy between the two major systems used to distinguish grammatical relations, namely the nominative/accusative and the ergative/absolutive.

The penultimate chapter deals with syntactic processes, and re-words on a human level such 'Spockian' knowledge as passives, antipassives, applicatives and causatives. You really will amaze yourself with how well you understood this part, and you will certainly impress friends and family at parties with your extended linguistic capabilities.

This is where the book concludes, but your understanding of Syntax has just begun. Maggie Tallerman provides you with all the tools needed to consciously analyze sentential structure and manipulate principles that underpin the discipline. Throughout clear examples and well set out tables enable the reader to grasp the complicated issues at stake. Also, at the end of each section, relevant questions are posed to test and improve understanding.

All in all, I would say that this is an excellent publication, with all the ingredients for successful learning. As an undergraduate studying linguistics, indeed any subject for that matter, it is a must. For a teacher looking for a textbook to base a series of lectures on, this is what you've been looking for. And for the non-academic, who is interested in the human phenomena of communication, this book will prove an enjoyable and rewarding read.