Syntax and Embedded Sentences

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to syntax, embedded sentences, and the structure of language as discussed in the lecture.

Embedded Sentences

Sentences that contain a clause within another clause, such as 'The children hope that the teacher forgets the exam.'

Recursive Rule

A rule that allows for the embedding of categories within categories, generating an infinite number of sentences.

Linguistic Competence

The mental knowledge of grammatical rules a speaker has.

Linguistic Performance

The application of grammatical rules in real language use.

Transformation Rules

Rules that move elements within a sentence to create different structures, such as forming questions.

Movement

The process of rearranging elements in a sentence, often seen in question formation.

Auxiliary

A helping verb used to form tense, mood, and voice in sentences.

Surface Structure

The final form of a sentence as produced by applying transformational rules.

Deep Structure

The underlying meaning of a sentence that reflects its grammatical structure.

Universal Grammar (UG)

The theory that proposes a set of grammatical principles shared by all languages.

Yes-No Questions

Questions that can be answered with 'yes' or 'no', derived from statements through specific rules.

Structure Dependent

The principle stating that grammatical rules rely on the hierarchical structure of sentences.

Parameters of UG

Variations within the principles of Universal Grammar that account for differences between languages.