35_transform.gram
.docx35. Transformational grammar
The gist of the analysis is: any sentence and any language contains kernel( ядерные) = deep structures, they are basic linguistic units and surface linguistic units.
Kernel or deep structures are used in language as an abstract system – a two-member unextended sentence.
Surface structures are used in speech and are divided from kernel structures by means of transformations (or transforms) so as to change, to transform them into surface structures.
A transformation – a type of syntactic rule or convention that can move an element from one position to another in a sentence; changing the form of (a figure, expression, etc.) without in general changing the value
Ex. The professor delivers a lecture (N+v+N)
The speaker needs to dress this kernel structure grammatically, using this or that transformation – changes the surface structure. Transformations are rules changes used in simple sentences, then in composite sentences and then in both.
-
Transformations in the simple sentences
-
Obligatory tr-on concern grammatical categories of a part of speech (changes of the finite verb, transf. of aspect, tense, voice, mood etc)
Ex. He had felt the need of witness.
He might feel the need of witness.
The need of witness was felt by him.
-
Optional tr-on –transformations on the synthetical level (the communicative type of the sentence, affirmat. And negative sentences change into questions.
He didn’t feel the need of witness.
Did he feel the need of witness?
He did feel the need of witness!
-
Transformations in compound sentences.
Ex. WE asked for the slides and he showed us the slides. (…..and he showed them to us)
The transformation when the object is repeated in the second sentence and it is a substitute for a pronoun.
-
Transformations in complex sentences.
Semi-complex sentences with secondary predication.
Ex. I saw him walking
I saw that he walked.
Nominalization (when a sentence can be replaced by a nominal unit)
He loves pictures – his love for pictures
Demerits: the number of kernel structures is different with different scholars – N+V; N+N, N is Adj, N is N. The definition of kernel structures is not exact either a 2-member unextended sentence. The establishement of the set of transformation units is problematic. The establishment of the order in which the transformations occur not exact either.