If a grammarian intended to describe all utterances produced by speakers of a language, and explain every meaning of the expressions, what problems may the grammarian be faced with in doing so?
2007-01-12 17:41:54 · 9 answers · asked by ariel22187592 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Languages
The main problem with such a project would be that a language does not consist of a finite set of utterances which are grammatical, but rather of a set of rules which define which utterances are grammatical, and a lexicon from which the words are drawn. As someone said already, the lexicon is not static, as new words come into usage and some of the older ones fall out gradually. The grammatical rules are not static either. Any language which is in use is constantly evolving to meet the needs of its users.
Also, by definition, the set of possible utterances, be they grammatical, ungrammatical, used or unused is infinite. This would mean that the task of describing a language simply cannot be done in this way.
There are many ways of describing languages. Some linguists do indeed collect large bodies of utterances, both spoken and written, and use a number of tools, usually computerised, to study them. This is known as corpus linguistics, and is a useful way of examining how language is actually used.
Another method is to break your lexicon into groups, such as verbs, nouns, etc, and build a set of rules in order to define possible sentences drawing the building blocks from the different groups.
More sophisticated grammars often put the emphasis on the lexicon itself, building a rule for each lexical item which describes how it fits into the grammar. This method makes for a much larger grammar, but is more effective at describing the way a language really works. This is called a Lexical Functional Grammar.
2007-01-13 11:02:29 · answer #1 · answered by meptastic 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
One problem would be that language changes over time. That's why new words are added to the dictionary each year. Recently, for example, a lot of technological words have been added. So, the description would have to be changed every so often. Language also differes by region. For example, in some parts of the U.S. people say "soda," while in other regions most people say "pop." Pronunciation also changes by region. Also, most languages, including English, use words borrowed from other languages. The linguist would have to decide where to draw the line on those.
2007-01-12 17:55:12 · answer #2 · answered by DustNik 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Why do I get the impression that I'm being asked to do your homework for you? If I answer this question, it's not your work.
I'll make it easier for you to answer: break it down.
Think about the possible problems with each of these two things separately -- (1) describing all utterances produced by speakers of a language and (2) explaining every meaning of the expressions.
2007-01-12 17:52:01 · answer #3 · answered by drshorty 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
YOur celebration isn't the superb. there is in truth no time period for the reason you've given. Your rationalization is both non-existent or incorporates an blunders in knowledge. even as there's a linking in the English language its frequently referred to as : ELISION Elision is the omission of one or more suitable sounds (jointly with a vowel, a consonant, or an finished syllable) in a observe or word, generating a effect it truly is miles less complicated for the speaker to pronounce. now and again, sounds would nicely be elided for euphonic effect. Elision is often unintended, notwithstanding it may well be planned. the top result would nicely be impressionistically defined as "slurred" or "muted." The elided type of a observe or word would grow to be a customary option for the finished style, if used oftentimes sufficient. In English, it is called a contraction, jointly with won't be able to from won't be able to. Contraction differs from elision in that contractions are set varieties which have morphologized, yet elisions are not any further. A synonym for elision is syncope. This time period is truly oftentimes linked with the elision of vowels between consonants (e.g., Latin tabula ? Spanish tabla). yet another type of elision is aphesis, which skill elision on the start of a observe (frequently of an unstressed vowel). the option of elision is epenthesis, wherein sounds are inserted right into a observe to ease pronunciation. English Examples of elision in English (in IPA): mushy: the second one "o" isn't stated fifth, (the wnd "f" is silent) laboratory,(the only excellent 2syllableS are stated as ONE = tory is stated tree different examples are = temperature,vegetable...all of those have "silent" sounds.
2016-10-30 23:40:22 · answer #4 · answered by boddie 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Every speech act is a unique utterance, which corresponds to the base structure of that language. If I were to write 'Pineapples speak Japanese', that is a well-formed, grammatically correct sentence, but one that is unlikely to be uttered spontaneously.
2007-01-13 08:05:57 · answer #5 · answered by frauholzer 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
One problem that could be anticipated would be the enormous effort required in order to complete a task that is in essence reinventing an existing tool like a dictionary with an integrated grammar guide.
2007-01-12 17:55:01 · answer #6 · answered by Michael Darnell 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well one would be each generation may subtly alter these utterances, therefore changing their meaning.
this also includes people speaking the same language but coming from another area
2007-01-12 17:51:04 · answer #7 · answered by Kathleen B 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well Ariel... I hesitate to articulate for fear I may deviate from a true course of accuracy. LOL!
H
2007-01-13 00:10:08 · answer #8 · answered by H 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
time and patience for sure!
2007-01-12 17:49:28 · answer #9 · answered by dragon 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋