Language Descriptions

Group 1:
Phan Thi Oanh
Nguyen Thi Thu Hang
Nguyen Thu Hong
Nguyen Hong Le
Le Vu Kieu Linh
CLASS: PG09
 OUTLINE
I. Classical or traditional grammar
II. Structural linguistics
III.Transformational generative grammar
IV. Language variation and register
analysis
V. Functional/ Notional grammar
VI. Discourse (Rhetorical) analysis
Classical or traditional
grammar
I. Classical or traditional grammar

1. How language is described:

- Based on: + grammars of classical languages.
+ analysis of the role of each word

in the sentence.
- Grammatical function of each word is
reflected by appropriate inflections.
 2. Strengths and weaknesses

• English has lost most of its case markers.

• Its influence on ESP has never been strong.

• Its concept underlie any language.

• It has continued to provide a useful indirect
source of guidance.
Structural linguistics
 II. Structural linguistics

1. How language is described

- Language is described in terms of
syntagmatic structures.

- The structures carry fundamental

propositions and notions.

- Different meanings are generated by

varying the words within structures.
 2. Strengths and weaknesses

• The development of substitution table as a typical

means of explaining grammatical patterns.

E.g. A substitution table in ESP

A dog bite cause heat stroke
An electric shock can
Severe shock result in death
Burns may
lead to unconsciousness
 2. Strengths and weaknesses

• Most enduring application was structural

syllabus which provides:

- means of selecting and sequencing

language items;
- description of generative core of the
language.
 2. Strengths and weaknesses

• Structural description was too superficial,

and could not explain relationships of
meaning.
• It may fail to provide the learner with an
understanding of the communicative use of
the structures.