syntax textbook for undergrads

[Roussanka Loukanova]

Hi,

I think you are looking for:

Sag, Ivan A., Thomas Wasow, and Emily M. Bender. 2003. Syntactic Theory - 
A formal introduction. 2nd Edition. Stanford: CSLI

While closest to HPSG, it is towards generalizations of constraint-based 
approaches. The first half of the book is very suitable for introduction 
to syntax, linguistic concepts, and semi-formal representations. At the 
end, the book has a section that is an excellent overview of the 
enterprise of syntactic theories.

My teaching experience is that students comprehend very comfortably the 
introductory and the more advanced chapters.

In addition, for the more math-logic oriented students, the book has 
chapters on a new direction of formal models (i.e., mathematics) of syntax 
(I have an overview to appear at some point).

Roussanka

On Thu, 13 May 2010, Stephen Wechsler wrote:

> 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
>>