A Glossary of Generative Syntax

Who is the Glossary for?

The present book is a glossary of the terms most frequently used in generative syntax. It is intended for third year BA students (or anyone interested in generative syntax) with little or no prior knowledge of this type of syntax. These students might encounter terms or notions often used during the Introduction to Generative Grammar course or later, during some more advanced elective or MA courses, and hence they can very easily and very quickly look them up if they are not sure of their meaning or use, or they need a relevant example to understand them better. However, more advanced students can also benefit from the Glossary.

What is the Glossary for?

The aim of the Glossary is to provide, in a convenient format, concise definitions, brief explanations and some illustrations of terms and concepts frequently encountered by beginner or more advanced students of generative syntax. Entries selected and included here typically give more information than is usually found in an encyclopaedia entry but less information than what would be expected in a chapter of a textbook. Some terms can be given a concise definition, but with broader topics, such as the particular theories of generative grammar, this is not possible. Therefore, the main aim has been to indicate what the theory is about, rather than to give an exposition that can stand on its own. The handy size of the Glossary means that it can be easily carried around and frequently referred to.