syntax textbook for undergrads

Stephen Wechsler wechsler at mail.utexas.edu
Fri May 14 00:19:21 UTC 2010


These good choices have been suggested to me so far:

--Tallerman, 'Understanding Syntax'
--Kroeger, 'Analyzing Grammar'
--Thomas Payne, 'Exploring Language Structures'
--Borsley, Syntactic Theory: A Unified Approach

Thanks very much to those who have responded.

best,
Steve

On Thu, May 13, 2010 at 12:14 PM, Stephen Wechsler
<wechsler at mail.utexas.edu> wrote:
> I'm looking for an introductory syntax textbook for undergraduates,
> and wonder if anyone has recommendations (and don't be shy about
> recommending your own book, if you've written one).  I have used many
> different books over the years, but I still haven't found exactly what
> I want.
>
> My current favorite is Paul Kroeger's 'Analyzing Syntax'.  I like the
> rich, interesting, cross-linguistic coverage and clear presentation.
> The balance of theory and description is about right.  The only
> problem is that it is too advanced for many of my students.
>
> I'm also a fan of C. L. Baker's 'English Syntax', and I use it for
> classes on English syntax.  The students understand it.  It lays
> everything out step by step with a bare minimum of technical
> terminology (yet still not dumbed down).  My ideal textbook would have
> Kroeger's range of languages and phenomena, but directed at the level
> of student that Baker's book seems to be aimed at.
>
> Any suggestions would be appreciated.  Thanks.
>
> --Steve
>



More information about the HPSG-L mailing list