Features
- Cover Type: Paperback with 448 pages
- Published by: Oxford University Press, USA December 27, 2001
- Written in: English
- ISBN 10 Number: 0198299540
- ISBN 13 Number: 978-0198299547
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Book Dimensions:
9 x 6.1 x 1 inches
- Weighs: 12.8 ounces
Product Review
`Review from previous edition There is no doubt that this book is a landmark in linguistic theory. It is an outstanding work by a brilliant intellect in which Croft demonstrates the depth of his linguistic knowledge and above all vision. It will constitute a source of inspiration for much future linguistic theorizing.' Anna Siewierska, Professor of Linguistics, University of Lancaster
`Radical Construction Grammar is an important work that is bound to elicit strong reactions, for it questions basic tenets of linguistic research. Croft argues persuasively that much research on universals suffers from methodological flaws: there are language universals, but linguists have been trying to characterize them at the wrong level of description . . . Because the arguments are presented in great detail and illustrated with fascinating examples, the book's controversial claims cannot be dismissed lightly. I look forward to the discussion it will provoke.' Tom Wasow, Professor of Linguistics and Philosophy, Stanford University
`Croft's Radical Construction Grammar is a welcome contribution bearing on an issue of basic importance to linguistic theory: the nature and status of grammatical categories. His innovative examination of this question from a functionalist and typological perspective refocuses the debate in a fundamental way. It deserves to be seriously considered by all linguists regardless of their theoretical orientation.' Ronald W. Langacker, University of California, San Diego
Product Description
This book is based on the results of research in language typology, and motivated by the need for a theory to explain them. Croft proposes intimate links between syntactic and semantic structures, and argues that the basic elements of any language are not syntactic but rather syntactic-semantic "Gestalts." He puts forward a new approach to syntactic representation and a new model of how language and languages work.
Reader ReviewsI have been working with this text for approximately six weeks now, and my graduate level colleagues and I loathe it. The author is circumlocutory in his defense of RCG, and as such, I have a hard time finding his argument for RCG to be a cogent one. Furthermore, he holds a peculiar view of generative grammars - one which appears to be based on very early theories and does not incorporate any of the modern nuances of generative syntax. Croft is also dismissive of proponents of generative grammar in a way which is highly unacademic, in my personal opinion. All told, he doesn't do the theory justice. If you can avoid reading this book, please do.
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