Differential and Generative Structure of Language

An Analysis on Collocations

Seminar Paper , 2005 , 15 Pages

English Language and Literature Studies - Linguistics

The theory and methodology of early linguistics took the notion of structure as a key term and emphasized the idea that language needed to be organized. In the 70s, under the influence of pragmatics, language was no longer seen as an abstraction, but as a means of communication between people, and the primary purpose of language became the exchange of meaning. Since language essentially deals with naming of concepts, the importance of lexis replaced the role played by grammatical structure. The idea was that meaning is primarily carried by lexis, because focus on communication implies emphasis on lexis and decreased emphasis on structure.
In this paper, I will discuss the central ideas of Saussurean structuralism, in particular the notion of differential structure, then I will present the innovation brought in linguistics by Chomsky’s generative structure, namely the universal nature of language as opposed to Sassure’s idea about the uniqueness of language, and finally, I will analyze collocations in the light of these two structuralist theories.
This paper does not intend to show the differences and incompatibilities between the structural and lexical approaches, but the point of coincidence and agreement between the two, namely the way meaning is defined through difference under the exercise of choice.

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• I. Introduction
• II. The Saussurean linguistic model
  • II.1. Structure and structuralism
  • II.2. The linguistic sign
  • II.3. Two-dimensional structure of language: syntagmatic and paradigmatic axes
  • II.4. Differential structure of language
• III. Generative structure in Chomsky's syntagmatic approach
  • III.1. Syntagmatic and paradigmatic approach in structural linguistics
  • III.2. Generative syntax
• IV. Collocations
  • IV.1. Lexical collocations
  • IV.2. Grammatical collocations
• V. Syntagmatic constraints and paradigmatic contrasts in collocations
• VI. Conclusions

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

This paper examines the concept of linguistic structure, focusing on the theories of Ferdinand de Saussure and Noam Chomsky. It explores how Saussure's notion of differential structure, based on the idea of language as a system of differences, relates to Chomsky's generative approach, which emphasizes the universal nature of language and its underlying rules. The paper analyzes collocations, examining how they reflect the principles of selection and combination within both structuralist and generative frameworks.

• The role of structure in language and communication
• Saussure's theory of differential structure
• Chomsky's generative grammar and its implications for linguistic structure
• The concept of collocations and their relationship to structuralist and generative theories
• The interplay of syntagmatic and paradigmatic axes in language

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

• I. Introduction: This chapter introduces the paper's focus on the concept of linguistic structure and its evolution from early structuralist theories to more contemporary approaches. It highlights the shift from a focus on language as an abstract system to a focus on its communicative function and the role of lexis in conveying meaning.
• II. The Saussurean linguistic model: This section delves into Saussure's foundational contribution to structural linguistics, emphasizing the concept of structure as the key to understanding language as a functional system. It examines the notion of the linguistic sign, its arbitrary nature, and the two-dimensional structure of language, encompassing both syntagmatic and paradigmatic axes. The chapter concludes with a discussion of Saussure's concept of differential structure, where the meaning of words is determined by their systematic differentiation from other words within the same language.
• III. Generative structure in Chomsky's syntagmatic approach: This chapter explores Chomsky's generative grammar, presenting it as a departure from Saussure's structuralist framework. It discusses the concept of generative syntax and its focus on the underlying rules that govern the formation of well-formed sentences. The chapter contrasts Chomsky's approach with Saussure's, highlighting the differences in their perspectives on the universal nature of language.
• IV. Collocations: This section introduces the concept of collocations, examining their lexical and grammatical forms. It explores how collocations reflect the principles of selection and combination within both structuralist and generative frameworks, providing examples of how these principles operate in actual language use.
• V. Syntagmatic constraints and paradigmatic contrasts in collocations: This chapter delves deeper into the interplay of syntagmatic and paradigmatic axes in the formation of collocations. It examines how syntagmatic constraints influence the choice of words in a collocation, while paradigmatic contrasts allow for variation and the expression of different meanings.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

This paper explores key concepts in linguistic structure, including Saussurean structuralism, differential structure, generative grammar, collocations, syntagmatic and paradigmatic axes, and the relationship between language and communication. It examines how these concepts contribute to our understanding of the way language functions and the mechanisms by which meaning is created and conveyed.

• College: Technical University of Braunschweig (Englisches Seminar)
• Course: Teaching English Grammar and Lexis
• Author: Gabriela Bara (Author)
• Publication Year: 2005
• Pages: 15
• Catalog Number: V144329
• ISBN (eBook): 9783640553860
• ISBN (Book): 9783640554270
• Language: English
• Tags: language, structure, Saussure, sign, Chomsky, collocations