transformational grammar

[/ˌtrænsfərˈmeɪʃənəl ˈɡræmər/]
nounpl: transformational grammars
gramática transformacional
1. A linguistic theory that explains how sentences are generated through a series of transformations applied to underlying deep structures to produce surface structures
Transformational grammar was developed by Noam Chomsky in the 1950s and revolutionized the study of syntax.
A gramática transformacional foi desenvolvida por Noam Chomsky nos anos 1950 e revolucionou o estudo da sintaxe.
2. A framework for analyzing language that assumes universal underlying principles shared by all human languages
According to transformational grammar, all languages follow similar fundamental rules despite their surface differences.
De acordo com a gramática transformacional, todas as línguas seguem regras fundamentais semelhantes apesar de suas diferenças de superfície.
3. The study of syntactic rules that transform deep structures into the actual sentences we speak and write
Transformational grammar helps explain how the same idea can be expressed in multiple sentence structures.
A gramática transformacional ajuda a explicar como a mesma ideia pode ser expressa em múltiplas estruturas de sentença.
Transformational grammar is a foundational concept in modern linguistics, particularly important in academic and educational contexts in both Brazil and the United States. It represents a shift from traditional grammar to a more scientific, theory-based approach to language analysis. The term is primarily used in academic circles, linguistics departments, and among language professionals rather than in everyday conversation.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
generative grammartransformational-generative grammarTG grammar
Antonyms / Antônimos
descriptive grammarprescriptive grammartraditional grammar

Regional Variations

General Brazilian Portuguese
gramática transformacional
Standard academic term used in linguistics courses and academic publications
Portugal
gramática transformacional
Same standard term used in Portuguese linguistics education
Academia (International)
gramática gerativo-transformacional
Sometimes used to emphasize both generative and transformational aspects

Related Words

deep structuresurface structuresyntactic rulesgenerative linguisticsNoam Chomskysyntaxlinguistic theory

Related Idioms & Phrases

deep structure to surface structure transformation
apply a transformation rule
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