grammar blindness
Introduction to 'Grammar Blindness'
The concept of 'grammar blindness' refers to a restricted understanding of grammatical changes and a focus on prescriptive rules rather than an appreciation of the evolving nature of the language.
Mr. John Major has emerged as a significant figure in international diplomacy, which is used as an example to illustrate perceived grammatical distinctions in recent English.
There's a lack of comprehensive understanding about grammatical changes occurring in standard English throughout the 20th century, despite this era being rich in linguistic evolution.
Key Themes in Grammatical Change
Non-Finite vs Finite Relative Clauses: The evolution of non-finite relative clauses is explored, investigating whether they are replacing finite forms as they gain prominence in the language.
Prescriptivism vs Descriptivism: There is a notable tension between prescriptive rules, which dictate correct usage, and descriptive observations that reflect how language is used in practice.
The historical use of 'who' and 'whom' is a focal point, demonstrating the gradual shift between these forms in both spoken and written language.
The Nature of Grammatical Change
Grammatical changes are often subtle and slow, making them less visible than changes in vocabulary or pronunciation. This can cause observers to mistakenly perceive grammar as static.
Changes are analyzed statistically using large corpora of written texts, which document linguistic evolution and help clarify misconceptions about stability over time.
Theories on Perceiving Change
Gradual Process: Grammatical change occurs over extended periods, often through statistical shifts rather than abrupt alterations. This slower pace can mislead observers into thinking no change is taking place.
Statistical Evidence: This emphasizes the importance of large datasets in analyzing grammatical changes. Findings from systematic studies highlight ongoing innovation and shifts in usage patterns.
Research Methodology
The book utilizes matching corpora that reflect the evolution of British and American English across multiple timeframes, providing a rich basis for analyzing grammatical change.
Important sources include the Brown family of corpora, which serves as a foundation for understanding linguistic patterns and has sparked extensive research in this area.
Conclusion and Future Directions
Acknowledges the dynamic interplay between social and linguistic changes while addressing fears surrounding the 'Americanization' of the English language.
The study aims to unearth hidden trends in grammatical change, moving beyond prescriptive constraints to paint a fuller picture of how English evolves in contemporary contexts.