Grammar Concepts and Aspects
Grammar is defined in three ways:

  1. A set of rules governing word and phrase composition in a language, varying by language but focused on sentence structure.
  2. A field of study analyzing formal language features, their combination, reference, and interpretation.
  3. A body of prescriptive rules determining correct and incorrect language use.

History of English Grammar

  • English grammar development began in the 16th century with Pamphlet for Grammar by William Bullokar.
  • Early grammar rules were modeled on Latin. In the late 17th century, 16 new grammars emerged based on Bullokar’s work.
  • The 19th century introduced philosophy into English grammar, marking a modern approach.
  • Grammar knowledge aids punctuation, foreign language learning, and understanding morphology, semantics, and pragmatics.

Traditional Grammar

  • Known as pedagogic grammar, it’s the oldest form, focusing on prescriptive rules and Latin-based structures.
  • It classifies words into parts of speech, describes word inflection (e.g., -ed, -s), and emphasizes syntax and written language.
  • It assumes a standard English grammar for teaching in schools.
  • Weaknesses: overly prescriptive, reliant on Greek/Latin categories (limiting for other languages), and focused mainly on syntax.

Structural Grammar

  • Developed in the 19th century by Ferdinand de Saussure, considered its father.
  • Focuses on analyzing relationships among words, studying clusters like sounds, forms, and phrases.
  • Introduces form class (broader than parts of speech) and immediate constituent analysis (top-down sentence breakdown).
  • Features: uses scientific data analysis, recognizes language specificity, distinguishes la langue (abstract system) from la parole (language in use), and views language as a system of speech sounds.

Please do well to comment below if there is anything missing, comment below if you think it’s important for me to continue with this. I really appreciate your comments.

Dir. of Welfare DAVID UC.