surface structure
Quick Summary
In linguistics, surface structure refers to the formal representation of a sentence's phonetic form. This concept is part of Noam Chomsky's theories of generative grammar, which aim to explain how humans can produce an infinite number of grammatical sentences using finite means.12
In earlier versions of Chomsky's transformational grammar, sentences were understood to have two levels of structure: a "deep structure" where meaning is interpreted, and a "surface structure" where phonetic interpretation occurs. The surface structure is the final derived phrase marker of a sentence, generated through transformational rules applied to the underlying phrase structure. While Chomsky's later theories have evolved, the distinction between underlying and final forms of sentences remains a key area of study in understanding language.23
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- transformational grammar
…“deep structure” and a “surface structure” to show the relationship of such sentences. Thus, “I know a man who flies planes” can be considered the surface form of a deep structure approximately like “I know a man. The man flies airplanes.” The notion of deep structure can be especially…
Read More…“deep structure” and a “surface structure” to show the relationship of such sentences. Thus, “I know a man who flies planes” can be considered the surface form of a deep structure approximately like “I know a man. The man flies airplanes.” The notion of deep structure can be especially…
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linguisticsModifications in Chomsky’s grammar…underlying phrase marker, and a surface structure analysis, as represented by the final derived phrase marker. The underlying phrase marker is assigned by rules of the base (roughly equivalent to the PS [Phrase-Structure] rules of the earlier system); the derived phrase marker is assigned by the transformational rules. The interrelationship…
Read More…underlying phrase marker, and a surface structure analysis, as represented by the final derived phrase marker. The underlying phrase marker is assigned by rules of the base (roughly equivalent to the PS [Phrase-Structure] rules of the earlier system); the derived phrase marker is assigned by the transformational rules. The interrelationship…
Read More- linguisticsStratificational grammar
…the sememic stratum and the surface structure on the morphemic. In the present account, “grammar” is used in the narrower sense and will be opposed to “semology” as well as “phonology.”
Read More…the sememic stratum and the surface structure on the morphemic. In the present account, “grammar” is used in the narrower sense and will be opposed to “semology” as well as “phonology.”
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