Understanding Syntax (Understanding Language) - Tapa blanda

"The fourth edition of Understanding Syntax is a thorough and accessible introduction to the major syntactic concepts and constructions in the world's languages. It is one of the most versatile textbooks I have ever encountered: it provides a solid basis in syntactic typology and theory in a friendly and informal style that works very well for students with no background in linguistics, while also being an eye-opener for students who have studied some syntax but are aware only of patterns and categories that are familiar from European languages. This textbook should be on the reading list for all introductory syntax courses."

Mary Dalrymple, Oxford University, UK

"This new edition is just as sparklingly written as ever; it gives students a real flavour of the richness of the syntax of human languages, as well as a clear, engaging explanation of the fundamental concepts needed to understand this core aspect of language."

David Adger, Queen Mary University of London, UK

Assuming no prior knowledge, Understanding Syntax illustrates the major concepts and terminology associated with the study of cross-linguistic syntax. A theory-neutral and descriptive viewpoint is taken throughout. Starting with an overview of what syntax is, the book moves on to an explanation of word classes and a discussion of sentence structure in the world's languages, taking data from approximately 100 languages. The final chapter illustrates the principles involved in syntactically sketching a language, enabling the reader to construct a grammatical sketch of a language known to them. This fully updated book is essential for all students studying syntax.